Tenants Union Mission
The Tenants Union of Washington State is a statewide, grassroots, membership-based housing justice organization working toward safe and affordable housing for everyone. We transform unjust housing policies and practices through tenant education, community organizing, and policy advocacy. Our work actively centers the voices of Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities, multilingual communities, people with disabilities, LGBTQI communities, and all low-income people.
What does it mean to be a member of the Tenants Union?
Membership in the Tenants Union of Washington State (TUWS) is open to all tenants and tenant allies who support the mission of building tenant power, advancing housing justice, and promoting equitable communities across Washington State. By becoming a member, individuals join a collective voice advocating for tenant rights, fair housing policy, and social justice rooted in our Principles of Unity.
**There is no cost to become a member— participation is based on commitment, not financial contributions. While dues are not a requirement, we expect that members support the organization based on your ability.
Membership Eligibility
To become a member, an individual must:
- Be a tenant, renter, or housing justice ally residing in Washington State.
- Agree to the TUWS Principles of Unity, affirming a shared commitment to equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and solidarity across communities.
- Complete the Membership Enrollment Form confirming their contact information and consent to receive organizational updates.
Membership Types - To encourage engagement at multiple levels, TUWS recognizes the following membership categories:
A) General Members
Any tenant or housing justice ally who has agreed to the Principles of Unity and signed up for membership.
May attend general meetings, participate in campaigns, and vote in elections.
Expected to remain active by attending the annual membership meeting two years in a row.
B) Organizing Members
Includes all General Membership requirements listed above.
Members who complete training will have the opportunity to take on regular volunteer or organizing responsibilities (e.g., local tenant councils, outreach, volunteer opportunities).
Expected to attend monthly membership meetings regularly throughout the year
Eligible to vote and run for leadership roles, including the Board of Directors.
Serve as liaisons between tenants in their community and TUWS statewide leadership.
*If you want to become a member, please review the Tenants Union of Washington Principles of Unity and respond YES or NO below to confirm your agreement.
TU Principles of Unity
1. We believe all tenants have the right to affordable decent housing, free from excessive and frequent rent increases.
2. We believe all homes should be safe and secure in order to ensure the privacy of tenants.
3. We seek to end arbitrary evictions and all retaliatory actions against tenants.
4. We believe that all people should have access to housing free from discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, political ideology, lifestyle, age, family status, marital status, amount or source of income, or disability.
5. We believe that all tenants have the right to organize and determine the rules and conditions of their tenancy through collective bargaining and other means.
6. We believe that all tenants have the right to live in the neighborhood of their choice, and we seek to increase the supply of rental housing, particularly for low and middle-income tenants.
7. We believe that housing exists to meet a basic human need, and that when conflict arises between tenants’ needs and owners’ profits, the basic need for affordable decent housing must take priority over the economic interests of the landowners.
8. We, the members, commit ourselves to working together to accomplish the above stated goals.