Welcome to the Columbia University Tenants' Union. Together, we represent all tenants living in housing owned by Columbia University.
Columbia is the largest private property owner in NYC; our aim is to hold them accountable and advocate for the needs of tenants who are both affiliated with Columbia (students, faculty, staff, etc.) and non-affiliated. To that effect, we aim to address the following issues by using our collective voice and partnerships with the Morningside Heights community:
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Protecting affordability and availability of units for non-Columbia affiliated tenants.
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Ensuring building protection from warrantless law enforcement intrusion (ICE, DHS, etc.).
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Identifying systemic problems for repairs in buildings and expanding repair services available to tenants.
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Providing support to evicted tenants (especially non-Columbia affiliated tenants and students facing disciplinary measures from Columbia).
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Negotiating rent increases for affiliated tenants in Columbia housing and supporting non-affiliates in advocacy with City rent-setting agencies.
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Identify and promote amenities and programs to improve the quality of life in Columbia-owned residential buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia University your landlord? If yes, this union is for you.​
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1. What is a tenants' union?
A tenants' union is a group made up of and led by tenants themselves to get the landlord or management to do what they want. Thanks to past victories of organized tenants, the right to organize is protected under New York State law (Real Property Law §230). The only requirement for a union is that you meet regularly.
2. Why join a tenants' union?
There is power in numbers! A strong union can force landlords to listen so that tenants are better able to win. They can also transform fear and isolation regarding housing conditions into dignity and solidarity so tenants can build power to stay in their homes on their terms.
3. What does joining entail? Do I have to pay dues?
Joining entails filling out our membership form! We are not charging dues, and we do not require attendance at our meetings. ​
4. Can I join the union if I live in the neighborhood but not in a Columbia building?
Yes! We welcome local tenants who are affected by the presence of Columbia University.
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5. I want to be more involved and have specific questions. What can I do?
Please reach out to info@cutenantsunion.org or come to one of our upcoming meetings!
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Upcoming Meetings
Every 2 weeks, we hold meetings online open to anyone. These meetings alternate between
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Tenant & Building Organizing meetings, where we work to organize Columbia buildings and tenants who’ve reached out to us, and
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Steering Committee meetings, where a committee of volunteers holds discussions and votes on priorities and strategies.
Please see our calendar below for upcoming events.