IUT International Union of Tenants

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

06/10/2025

🌍🏠 Today we mark International Tenants’ Day!

This year’s theme is Urban Housing Crisis Response – a reminder that tenants across the world are facing rising rents, shrinking affordability, and the growing financialisation of housing. The crisis demands urgent and systemic change.

IUT President Marie Linder puts it clearly:
👉 “Having a home is not a privilege – it is a fundamental human right. On International Tenants’ Day, we call on governments to act with urgency: protect tenants, invest in affordable homes, and ensure that cities are built for people, not for profit. Only then can we secure dignity, equality, and justice in housing for all.”

💡 Read more about International Tenants’ Day and the IUT Resolution here:
👉 https://www.iut.nu/events/international-tenants-day/

Together with tenant organisations worldwide, we stand up for the right to safe, sustainable, and affordable housing for everyone. 💪