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Sample Landlord Letter |
UNITED WAY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND
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3ARTS Artist Relief Fund
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ARTICLE WITH NUMEROUS RESOURCES FROM THE PUBLIC I URBANA RELIEF
Cunningham Township Relief |
To whom it may concern,
As you know, the COVID-19 virus has ripped across the world, leaving personal and economic ruin in its wake. Locally, although many people in sectors like the tech or industries can work from home - continuing to pull a paycheck - many of us cannot. This disruption to our daily lives has created a ripple of effects that are yet to be fully understood. The Tenants of ______ have come to the realization that with such a major disruption to our normal lives and incomes, we can not be expected to make a rent payment on April 1st, and possibly not for many months after. It is unreasonable to demand that while half the economy crumbles, the other half is expected to make rent or mortgage payments. The burden of this crisis is being shifted onto those already struggling to stay afloat in a city with one of the highest costs of living in the country. This letter is to inquire about possible rent freeze and to explore other options related to rent that would leave those who can no longer afford payments with the comfort of knowing they still have a place to live. A freeze on rents, coming from the city or state, would make this situation unnecessary. But as it stands, we refuse to drain the last dollars from our savings or expose ourselves to high-risk work environments in order to pay for a space to live. This refusal is no less essential to our long-term survival than social distancing or washing our hands. And we stand in solidarity with others who refuse to pay, as well. Along with this letter, we are sending you the contact info for local and state officials who you can contact to demand a freeze on both rent and mortgage payments. We will be petitioning them as well. Thank you for your time, ___________ Governor Pritzker Chicago phone: 312-814-2121 Springfield phone: 217-782-0244 Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen (Champaign) email: [email protected] phone: 217-403-8720 Mayor Diane Marlin (Urbana) email: [email protected] phone: (217) 384-2456 |
Sample Letter to Fellow Tenants
Use this template to reach out to fellow tenants in your building or under the same landlord/property manage to collectively discuss striking. Reach out to us at our instagram @cu_rentfreeze for help organizing. We are trying to gather together all the organizers for each group of tenants!
Template 1:
Template 1 courtesy of Tenant and Neighborhood Councils (TANC) in the Bay Area. This template is more assertive and goal-driven. Hey [Name/tenant of <address>]! [For people you haven’t met]: My name is [Name], I am your neighbor at [Address]/I rent from the same landlord as you, [Landlord’s Name]. [For people you know to at least some extent, add a personalized intro or greeting] I am just checking in to see how you [and your roommates/family] are doing with this COVID pandemic. [Optional: offer support of whatever kind to your capacity, if it feels appropriate]. I know that I am going to have trouble making rent in April and probably for the next few months. [Add some details about your specific situation]. How is your situation? Are you worried about [making rent/keeping up with costs of living during this pandemic/some other specific circumstance as you see fit]? Optional: I am worried about [other neighbor/co-tenant] being able to afford living here [or some other situation]. I don’t know how [Landlord’s Name] is going to respond [Change depending on relationship with landlord]. I don’t think it’s fair for [Landlord] to punish us if we can’t pay our rent during an emergency that we have no control over. But I think if we all spoke up together we can stop that kind of thing from happening. Are you available to talk on the phone sometime? [your name] [phone number and/or email address] |
Template 2:
Template 2 courtesy of Autonomous Tenant Union in Chicago. This template has more of a neighborly tone to it. Hi [neighbor or their name(s), if known]! This is [your name] from [your unit]. Just wanted to check in with everyone in the building as the COVID pandemic continues to escalate and let you know that you're all welcome to call/text/email/knock on my door if you need help. If anyone is isolating in the building I'm happy to pick up groceries for you to leave outside your door [you can substitute this for any kind of aid that you are able to provide - this helps open the space for trust]. With rent due in one week [adjust time frame as needed], I also wanted to see who else was worried about rent and bills and whether anyone has lost stability with their income because of the pandemic. My number is [your number] - give me a text or call when you can and hope we all stay safe and healthy. [Your name] [number] [email] |