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Protesting Westlake Tenants Tell Us Why Rent Strikes Are Making A Comeback
Striking tenants in Westlake march through their neighborhood in late July (Matt Tinoco/SCPR)
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Protesting Westlake Tenants Tell Us Why Rent Strikes Are Making A Comeback
About 100 years ago, in cities with an affordable housing shortage, tenants went on strike—withholding rent from their landlord to protest poor conditions. As the cost of housing spirals up, rent strikes are making a comeback.
KPCC’s housing reporter Matt Tinoco reports from Westlake, where tenants living in about 80 units across three apartment complexes on Burlington Avenue have been witholding rent from their landlord since April. They're protesting their landlord's decision to raise rent earlier this year, despite their building's poor condition.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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