We organized a tenants union at our Lexington complex. It changed everything | Opinion

In 2021, the tenants at Westminster Village Apartment began facing serious problems in our homes. Water would cut out without warning, leaving us unable to flush toilets, cook, or shower. Electricity outages were just as common. We had to stockpile water in jugs just to get by. Then came the rent hikes and surprise charges for thousands in back rent. It started to feel like management was letting things fall apart on purpose — perhaps hoping we’d give up and leave.

But we didn’t. Instead, 78 households came together to form the Westminster Tenants Union — the first tenants union in Lexington, and the beginning of a powerful tenant-led movement in our city. That decision changed everything.

Since organizing, we’ve already secured meaningful wins: interpretation services at the office, more than $20,000 in long-overdue repairs, and — most importantly— a sense of power and unity we didn’t have before.

Being part of this union completely shifted my perspective. At first, many of us saw the union as just a place to vent. But we quickly realized: we are the union. It’s not about handing our problems off to someone else—it’s about standing together to solve them. Who better to fight for our homes than those who live in them every day?

When we acted alone, our complaints were often ignored or patched over with shoddy work. But with a unified voice, we became impossible to dismiss. We could demand accountability—and get it. Together, we’re not just asking for change. We are the change.

If you’re facing similar issues, start by talking to your neighbors. If others are experiencing the same problems, that’s your first sign that organizing could help. A union’s power comes from people, and the more united you are, the harder it is to be ignored.

You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, you shouldn’t. If you want to stay in your home and improve your living conditions, collective action is one of the most effective tools you have. Alone, your voice might be drowned out. Together, you can’t be silenced.

If you have any questions or want to talk to someone who’s gone through the unionizing process, consider reaching out to kentuckytenants@gmail.com. They can provide valuable insight and support as you navigate your situation. Remember, you are not alone in this fight for better living conditions.

Isaac Musiga is a passionate computer science student eager to innovate and solve real-world problems through technology.