Rogers Park tenants protest rent hikes and unsafe conditions, threaten rent strike

CHICAGO (WGN) — The courtyard of a Rogers Park apartment complex filled with chants and signs on Sunday as tenants and housing advocates gathered to rally against what they call extreme rent hikes and unsafe living conditions.

Residents from four buildings owned by the same landlord near Fargo and Damen Avenues say they have endured rat infestations, bed bugs, broken appliances, holes in ceilings and poorly sealed windows, all while facing steep rent increases.

The tenants, who recently formed a union called Fuerzas Activas De La Damen, are demanding repairs and fair treatment from their landlord.

“We are not refusing to pay rent. It’s how we are living is in terrible shape,” one tenant said.

Union members say monthly rent currently ranges between $900 and $1,500, but some tenants have been told their rent will rise by $600 to $700 starting this month.

They argue that these increases are unreasonable, especially as many in the neighborhood struggle with a loss of income due to fears of immigration enforcement in the community.

“This means they’re losing wages, and that means it’s going to be much more difficult to pay rent moving forward,” said Danny Rosa of the All-Chicago Tenant Alliance.

The group says negotiations with the landlord have gone nowhere. Their proposed agreement calls for essential repairs, a limit on rent increases to no more than $50 per year and protections against eviction.

“It’s more than just rent. It’s a fight for dignity, for justice and for community, for all tenants across the city,” said Juan Reyes of the All-Chicago Tenant Alliance.

If their demands are not met, tenants plan to begin a rent strike on November 1. WGN-TV has reached out to the landlord for comment and is awaiting a response.