Dear PoPville – Do the Producers of this Provocative TENAC Sign really Represent ALL DC Tenants?

“Dear PoPville,

This sign is hanging at a well trafficked bus stop right in front of the Potomac Ave metro on Pennsylvania Ave, SE. Whether or not you agree with the message, I find the group that posted it interesting. From what I know, TENAC typically & primarily deals with tenants rights in DC; this seems to be a departure from their stated message/purpose. The statement at the bottom, “representing all DC tenants,” certainly gives the impression of much weight behind the sentiment.

I haven’t been a renter for quite a few years & find myself wondering if this group really does have the support & voice of tenants? Is TENAC changing its focus?”

Their mission statement says:

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.

The sign, if it is indeed TENAC approved, is certainly an interesting departure from that mission…