ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Pete Tenants Union began its string of several workshops Monday night, looking to better equip tenants with resources and inform them about their rights.

Poor housing conditions, code violations, repairs and evictions through the proper judicial process were just some of the topics discussed during the “Know Your Rights” workshop.

What You Need To Know

  • The St. Pete Tenants Union is hosting several workshops this year to better equip tenants with resources and inform them about their rights

  • Poor housing conditions, code violations, repairs and evictions through the proper judicial process were just some of the topics discussed during a Know Your Rights workshop on Monday night

  • The group says that renters often under-report issues with their landlords due to fear of retaliation or challenges in renewing their lease

  • The next St. Pete Tenants Union meeting is March 19 at Allendale United Methodist Church

“There’s not a lot of recourse for most tenants. It’s a very landlord-friendly state in Florida,” said Chaize Harrell, the chair of the Housing Working Group for the St. Pete Tenants Union.

He says that renters often under-report issues with their landlords due to fear of retaliation or challenges in renewing their lease.

“They have issue after issue with landlords, and they still have to pay rent,” said Harrell.

The rent that Harrell mentions has increased for everyone.

“A lot of people were kind of fighting for a limited supply of overpriced housing before the hurricane. Now, since the hurricane has taken all of that housing out of the supply, the demand is even higher,” said Harrell.

Kiera Owens is a tenant who has moved twice in the past year. She was helped by the St. Pete Tenants Union after experiencing poor housing conditions.

"They kind of take your money and have you move in without seeing the apartment,” said Owens.

Owens intends to discuss her experience and advocacy for fair housing.

“A lot of disregard going on, a lot of questions unanswered,” she said.

Harrell notes that the lack of action has created a ripple effect of consequences.

“People move out of St. Pete all the time. We have a high number of homelessness — all of those problems stem from an inability for St. Pete to be able to afford housing in the city,” said Harrell.

The St. Pete Tenants Union hopes their Know Your Rights forum is just the start of ongoing discussions about solutions.

The advocacy group plans to host them every quarter.

The next St. Pete Tenants Union meeting is March 19 at Allendale United Methodist Church. 

The organization is partnered with Faith in Florida, the Community Law Program and Pinellas Democratic Socialists of America.