TENAC is a non-profit, public service organization dedicated exclusively to tenant interests, tenant rights, and support for rent control in the District of Columbia. We are the only city-wide tenants organization, and we represent all tenants in the District of Columbia.

As a legal successor to the Tenants' Organizations Political Action Committee (TOPAC), we have been serving tenants for almost 15 years. TENAC's mission is to assist tenants through education, legal information, and lobbying for tenant legislation- especially affordable housing and tenants' rights. TENAC prepares legislative proposals on behalf of tenants, and testifies frequently before the City Council on matters of vital interest to tenants. Of critical importance is TENAC's HOTLINE (202-628-3688), which answers landlord/tenant questions, and TENAC's role in helping tenants to form tenant associations throughout the city. TENAC believes that tenants in unorganized rental buildings are open for abuse by landlords, rental agents, and owners. We will not rest until we see a tenants' association in every rental building in the city.

Jim McGrath to speak on the "Mind Over Money" Program

Friday, May 9, 2008 - 09:00

WUSA, Channel 9, TV, will feature a panel including TENAC Chairman, Jim McGrath to speak on the "Mind Over Money" Program, Friday, 9 May 2008, 9:00 AM - 10:00
AM.

Topics: Slumlords, DC Attorney General, Aging in Place Program

Jim McGrath, TENAC Chairman on WPFW

Jim McGrath, TENAC Chairman, will be on WPFW, on
Monday, 5/5/08, 9:35/9:40 A.M., 89.3 FM on the dial.

Open Board Meeting, Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Open Board of Directors Meeting
DC Tenants Advocacy Coalition
Charles Sumner Museum School
1201 17th St, NW (Corner of 17th  & N Sts; Farragut North red line metro; take L Street exit)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008 – 6:30-8:30 p.m. 
MEETING AGENDA
Greetings and Introduction of Board Members and Guests
Special Guest:  
  Peter Nickless, D.C. Interim Attorney General, on the upcoming Campaign Against D.C.  
  Slumlords; Rental Apt. Building Code Violations; and, Strengthening of D.C. Rental Housing 
 Law Enforcement.

PART I – TENANT SITUATION REPORTS (plus Q+A)

  • Steve Raikin, Esq., Counsel, 4000 Mass. Avenue Tenants Association;
  • Somerset Apt. Building, Update, Bob Wollam, Somerset Apts. Tenants Association;
  • Kennedy-Warren Tenants Association – Peter Schwartz, Blake Nelson, et al;
  • Norwood Apartments Tenants Association – Silvia Salazar, President;
  • New Capital Park Tenants Association – Arlena Chaney, President;
  • Beatrice Stewart, President, 3150 16th Street NW Tenants Association (tentative).

PART II – TENANT MOBILIZATION PLANNING

Open Discussion – Time permitting, on TENAC sponsorship of proposals to fight back and raise money to combat tenant abuse and achieve greater tenant rights.  Plans are proceeding, but slowly, and need to be accelerated.  Fund-raising, particularly to fund legal assistance, is especially crucial.  Ideas on strengthening the tenant’s movement, including possible demonstrations, picketing, etc., need to be explored.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADJOURNMENT

Next TENAC Board Meeting – June 3, 2008

ATTENTION: TENANTS AND TENANT ACTIVISTS

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT, UPCOMING EVENTS!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR, SAVE THE DATES, AND PLEASE TRY TO PARTICIPATE!
 
Saturday, April 5th
MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE
 
Tuesday, April 15th
EMANCIPATION DAY PARADE
 
TENANTS Are Urged to Attend These Rallies and March for Tenants Rights.  Please Contact Brenda Richardson with Councilmember Marion Barry’s Office at (202) 724-8045.  For Further Information, Contact Jude Crannitch, (202) 435-5705.
 

Open Board of Directors Meeting

DC Tenants Advocacy Coalition

Charles Sumner Museum School
1201 17th St, NW (Corner of 17th  & N Sts; Farragut North red line metro; take L Street exit)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.