IUT International Union of Tenants

29/06/2026

IUT has sent a formal letter to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Nigeria, raising urgent concerns about a growing housing crisis affecting tenants.

Sharp rent increases — driven largely by the conversion of residential buildings into commercial use — are pushing many households into extreme financial hardship and displacement.
IUT calls for immediate action to stop unlawful conversions, address excessive rents, and restore access to affordable housing. Housing must be treated as a human right, not a commodity.

Read more on our website: https://www.iut.nu/news/

The International Union of Tenants (IUT) is the global movement for tenants’ rights. Since 1926, we unite over 75 tenant organizations from 51 countries to fight for affordable, safe, and secure housing. Discover our policy work, events, and how to join.

03/06/2026

Protecting tenant representation in the Czech Republic

The International Union of Tenants (IUT) stands in strong solidarity with our member organisation, the Association of Tenants of the Czech Republic (SON ČR), at a critical moment.

For more than 35 years, SON ČR has been a key voice for tenants – contributing to legislation, public debate, and housing policy. Today, that voice is at risk.

Recent developments in the Czech Republic have led to:
• The withdrawal of support for housing programmes and civil society organisations
• Increased insecurity in the rental sector, with short-term contracts becoming the norm
• A growing affordability crisis affecting around 2.5 million tenants

At a time when housing challenges are intensifying across Europe, strong and independent tenant representation is more important than ever. The IUT has therefore addressed a letter to the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, calling for urgent action to:
• Safeguard tenant representation
• Restore support for housing initiatives
• Ensure stable and fair conditions for renters

👉 Read our full public statement and letter here: https://www.iut.nu/iut-support-for-tenant-representation-in-the-czech-republic/

Housing is not only a market issue – it is fundamental to social stability, health, and equality.

11/05/2026

Together, we are stronger! 🤝💪

The IUT World Conference 2026 celebrated 100 years of the IUT — from 1926 to 2026: A century of solidarity, held
from 7–9 May.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, participated, and made these unforgettable days possible!

The conference took us across the bridge from Malmö to Copenhagen and concluded powerfully at Copenhagen’s Workers’ Museum, where this photo was taken.

Through study visits, open exchanges between tenant organisations, and a vibrant Housing Festival, people, politics, and practice came together in the same space.

The conference highlighted the strength of international cooperation and the value of learning from one another across borders — through real settings and real conversations.

High rents and a lack of decent housing are pushing people out of cities all over the world. The housing crisis is a social crisis.

The struggle we began 100 years ago is just as important today — and we will continue together, in strong cooperation with everyone around the world.

Photo: Agnes Saaby Thomsen

27/04/2026

Join the International Union of Tenants (IUT) on 7 May for a digital press conference featuring EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, Mayor Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, and IUT President Marie Linder.

As we mark 100 years of tenant solidarity, we will discuss essential public policies for affordable housing and the global energy crisis. Find more information here: https://www.iut.nu/events/iut-world-conference-2026/

Register by 5 May by emailing Martina Li Polo Pola at [email protected] to receive the link and our official press kit.
Event Details:
• Time: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM (CEST)
• Location: Online (Zoom)
• Deadline to register: 5 May, 6:00 PM (CEST)

02/03/2026

The International Union of Tenants (IUT) is proud to welcome the Tenants Union of Ukraine as our newest member — a development with both social and geopolitical significance.

The full‑scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered one of Europe’s largest displacement crises in modern history. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced from their homes, placing extraordinary pressure on an already fragile rental sector. In many parts of the country, renting has become the primary — and often only — pathway to safety. Yet the rental market remains largely unregulated, unpredictable, and financially challenging for those most affected by the conflict.

In this context, housing policy is not only a social issue. It profoundly shapes economic recovery, community resilience, and democratic stability. A fair, secure and transparent rental sector is essential for enabling displaced families to rebuild their lives — and for supporting Ukraine’s long‑term reconstruction.

As IUT President Marie Linder highlights:
“The war has displaced millions, strained local housing markets, and left countless families dependent on an insecure rental sector. Against this backdrop, the work of the Tenants Union of Ukraine is both courageous and indispensable.”

Their dedication to defending tenant rights, supporting people in vulnerable situations, and pushing for systemic reform contributes directly to the country’s resilience — now and in the future.
By joining IUT, the Tenants Union of Ukraine becomes part of a global network working together to strengthen tenants’ rights, influence housing policy, and promote just and humane rental conditions worldwide.

- Read the full announcement on the IUT website: https://lnkd.in/d-nXzsn4
- Learn more about the Tenants Union of Ukraine: https://tenants.org.ua

25/02/2026

We are pleased to announce that Supporting Communities (Northern Ireland) has been formally approved as a member of the Board of the International Union of Tenants.

For more than 45 years, Supporting Communities has strengthened tenant participation, community engagement, and housing standards across Northern Ireland. Their grassroots approach and long-standing commitment to empowering tenants make them a valuable addition to IUT’s international leadership.

As IUT President Marie Linder states:
“Their sustained dedication to tenant participation, community development, and housing justice makes them a highly valuable addition to our international network.”

At a time when housing challenges are becoming increasingly complex, international cooperation is more important than ever. We look forward to close collaboration in promoting fair, secure, and equitable housing for tenants everywhere.

Read more here: https://www.iut.nu/news/

19/02/2026

Today, the IUT President Marie Linder spoke at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) plenary debate on Europe’s housing crisis — and her message was crystal clear: tenants must be at the heart of the EU Affordable Housing Plan.

As the EU moves from ambition to implementation, the credibility of the plan will depend on whether it delivers real affordability for Europe’s 150 million renters.
Marie Linder stressed that:
- Ambition alone will not lower rents or prevent displacement
- Binding safeguards and clear affordability standards are essential
- Tenant organisations must have a guaranteed seat at the table in all new EU housing governance structures

The Affordable Housing Plan introduces important tools — such as a European Housing Alliance, an EU Housing Summit, and a Pan-European Investment Platform. But these tools must prioritise long-term affordability, not fuel financialisation.

Marie summed it up powerfully:
“Investment without tenant protections is not affordable housing — it risks becoming speculation with better branding.”

IUT is calling for:
- Social conditions for all EU‑backed housing investments
- Tenant‑safe renovation rules and anti‑renoviction safeguards
- Stronger regulation of short‑term rentals and transparent ownership structures
- Smart rent stabilisation that supports, not blocks, new construction
- Full tenant representation in the Housing Alliance and investment platforms
- Accelerated State aid reform for social and affordable housing
- By 2030, no tenant in Europe should spend more than 25% of their income on a warm, decent home.

Achieving this requires political will — and enforceable rules that put people before profit.

Please refer to the press release from IUT for more information: https://www.iut.nu/news/

17/12/2025

A Milestone for Affordable Housing in Europe

The European Commission has presented its first EU Affordable Housing Plan – a long-awaited step toward addressing Europe’s housing crisis. The International Union of Tenants (IUT) welcomes this initiative and its focus on social and affordable housing, housing accessibility, and sustainability.

As Marie Linder, President of IUT, stated:
“Ambition must be matched with enforceable measures – such as binding quotas for social and affordable housing – to ensure that no one is left behind.”

While the plan is promising, we emphasize the need for:
- Strong social safeguards for tenants
- Clear rent caps and minimum holding periods
- Open-ended rental contracts
- Conditionalities for private-sector involvement to prevent speculation and ensure long-term affordability.

IUT stands ready to work with EU institutions, national and regional authorities to make sure tenants’ rights remain at the heart of housing policies. Together, we can turn this plan into real homes for millions across Europe.

Read more about our position here: https://www.iut.nu/news/

Housing on the agenda of the European Union: IUT welcomes concerted action of the European institutions for more investments in affordable housing