A Brooklyn tenant organization on Tuesday became the 100th tenant union created under a new city housing program.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy and Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants Director Cea Weaver celebrated the formation of the 100th city-supported tenant union, at 8609 Bay 16th St. The union was created through the Partners in Preservation program, where HPD partners with tenant groups to help residents confront unsafe living conditions, landlord harassment and neglect.
The tenant association in Bath Beach was organized by Neighbors Helping Neighbors, an affiliate of Fifth Avenue Committee. Organizers first canvassed the building in December 2025, identified widespread concerns and returned five more times early in 2026 to help residents establish a tenant association, according to officials.
Tenants reported pest infestations, inconsistent heat and hot water, unresolved lead paint complaints, poor apartment maintenance, neglected common spaces, stairwell accessibility issues and difficulty reaching building management. After tenants sent a letter to the landlord in March 2026 outlining the issues and requesting immediate action, the landlord initially denied the claims. Following sustained organizing, the landlord has begun to work with tenants to address several longstanding housing issues, officials said.
“Housing is about more than four walls and a roof, it’s about feeling safe when you come back at the end of the day," Mamdani said in a statement. "When tenants organize together, they can win repairs, improve building conditions and collectively bargain with their landlords."
PiP funds organizers at 20 community organizations across 39 community districts, supporting tenants as they form associations, build collective power and hold negligent landlords accountable.
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors is proud to organize alongside the 8609 Bay 16th Street tenants. In a few short months, we have secured a commitment to repair building issues that have persisted for over 15 years, and we will continue to work together to make those commitments reality,” said Michelle de la Uz, executive director of Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
