I live in a smaller apartment (40 units) in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Our landlord is a big old company whose motto, as far as I can tell, is death before duty. A bunch of us have had an ant problem for a long while. I finally started the ball rolling in our smaller tenant whatsapp chat and then with a paper letter to every unit in the building. The offer was for anyone who wants to join a “demand letter” asking the landlord resolve the ant problem or we will go to arbitration to seek a work order and monetary compensation.

A bunch of folks were really excited and have joined in! A larger number of folks responded with heart breaking stories of neglect or close to criminal fraud/negligence etc. For those of us who have been here awhile, many confided that they wanted to help but were afraid because if they get evicted, they’ll never be able to afford anywhere in the city again.

It’s slow, dull, letter writing kind of work but that’s the kind to which I’m ideally suited! A little scared as these folks are scum and I know there will be blowback but what this company is doing just isn’t right and I won’t stand for it.