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Description
The situation in the rental market is the result of unequal power relations between owners and tenants. The power of the former derives from the possession and control of the necessary goods for survival (housing), and the weakness of the latter from the inability to survive without a roof over their head. These power relations are extremely unbalanced, putting tenants in a position of subordination, constant adjustment and exploitation. Advertisements are often discriminatory (no foreigners, only single women etc.) but tanants do nothing as they can not afford to be thrown out of their homes.
As the rental market is not functioning properly and the state does not protect tenants, it is necessary to gain appropriate living conditions by organizing. To achieve this we will carry out various field and awareness-raising campaigns, which will inform the public about rental issues and the rights they can exercise when renting.
At the introductory event we will present successful organizing and operating practices from abroad, and then hold three group meetings of tenants in Ljubljana. These will be a space for sharing experiences and key issues, education and building support.
Transferring the knowledge of the Norwegian union of tenants Leieboerforeningen will help us cover areas where we lack experience: field work and the engagement of tenants. Their advice will provide support in designing activities and reduce the possibility of mistakes, while knowledge transfer will be crucial in designing a stable organization to support the community of tenants.
Part of the activities will also focus on the media, NGOs and political officials at both local and national level. By connecting different actors, preparing recommendations for proper functioning, and implementing advocacy campaigns focused primarily on local elections in Ljubljana, we will try to achieve systemic changes that will improve the power of tenants in relation to owners.