Broad-based Coalition Building.   As case studies demonstrate, successful efforts to pass or defend rent control require broad, multi-racial coalitions.  In some instances, untraditional allies have been enlisted to lend critical support.  Allies have included public officials, small homeowners, labor unions, student groups, mental health organizations, elderly groups, women's organizations, the faith-based community, and national organizations, and others.

Organized and Mobilized Communities.   Winning rent control will take dedicated leaders with a commitment to organize.  The New Jersey Tenants Organization developed several key organizing principles, that have succeeded in more than municipalities.  (See below.)

Sustained Community Engagement.   Rent control campaigns are a lengthy process, often followed by drawn-out court challenges.  And, the struggle does not end with securing the law; rent control face repeated attacks years later with measures or amendments introduced to weaken its effectiveness.  Sustained community engagement is essential. Some cities have established permanent tenant or housing organizations to facilitate ongoing participation.

Comprehensive Communications Strategy.   Strategic use of the media,  including radio, television, newspapers, newsletters, and the Internet,  is essential to educating the public about the issues, building public will in support of renter stabilization and countering anti-rent control propaganda.

Timing.   Assessing economic and political opportunities is critical.  Good timing is absolutely necessary to a successful campaign to pass or defend rent control.

New Jersey Tenant Organization Organizing Principles

• The goal of organizing is to win power . Power should not be viewed as a negative thing. It is essential that you have enough of it to accomplish your goals.
• People are best organized when common problems affect their self-interest. When  quality of life is at stake, people are more willing to organize. All organizing materials (meetings, newsletters, flyers, press releases, etc.) should stress the practical value of organizing and the specific problems you hope to solve.
• Your major task as an organizer is to build a strong democratic organization that can channel its members' energy in effective ways. People sit up and take notice when a strong organization mounts a public campaign for social justice. The old saying "there is strength in numbers" is one that should guide you. While your opponent may have more money, you can mobilize more people. Collective action increases your power as tenants.
• Be creative and flexible in the methods that you use. Use tactics that work, throw out tactics that don't. Tactics should be chosen wisely and abandoned when they no longer serve. Tactics that prolong conflict without resolution become unbearable burdens. You want to use some tactics that work quickly.  Try to win short-term victories while working for long-term solutions. Quick victories build the membership's morale and give the organization the spark to  take the struggle to the next level. Tactics may include direct action, such as sit-ins, marches, rent strikes, and legal challenges.
• The Need for Tenant Unity. Your opponents will attempt to break your unity; you must be prepared to maintain it. Remember that all actions must have wide support. Unity multiplies your power. Division always reduces your chances of winning.
• No Nonsense.  Adopt a serious attitude in your dealings with public officials. Do not accept promises if past agreements were broken.  Make public officials earn your trust. They are not your friends unless they prove it. Do not make excuses for their lack of commitment or failure to act as promised. This will undermine organizing efforts. Be formal when communicating with public officials until they have earned your support. Remember, if you want them to take care of business, you must demonstrate that you mean business!
• Use the Media. Keep the press informed of all your activities and cultivate a relationship with the reporters who cover your campaign. Issue press releases and hold press conferences when you have important news. Keep the focus on the human drama. Your goal is to win support from the larger community, and you can do this by showing that what you are doing will provide real help to real people. Keep you message simple and genuine.
• Know More!  Learn all you can about rent control. Understand the legal constraints in your city or state. Develop a critical understanding of how your municipal government works. Know  the key players and elected officials and the interests they represent. Point out opponents' weaknesses and mistakes. Develop an understanding of the issues that will be debated and be prepared to counter arguments you will face.
• Understand the Electoral Process.  Elected officials are  empowered to legislate rent control laws and therefore, one of your primary targets. It is important to understand every aspect of  municipal elections, including the initiative and referendum process (if  used in your community). Be prepared to get involved in local elections, keeping in mind restrictions on the electoral activities of 501 (c)(3) organizations
• Do not shy away from conflict. Your opponents will not just hand you what you want because it is the right thing to do. Their interests are different than yours and they act accordingly. Conflict is normal in organizing for social change. Be resolute and remain calm.

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