We believe that housing is a human right, but across RI, housing is being hoarded by corporate landlords and private equity firms that are profiting off our rents. Homes exist to house people, not to make the rich richer. That's why we are fighting to transform the system. We are campaigning to stabilize the cost of rent, protect renters from unjust treatment by corporate landlords, and build more permanently affordable social and public housing.
Winning that future means building a working-class movement that empowers ordinary people to be leaders and cultivates solidarity across difference. Working-class people, organized against the corporate class, can wield political power at the local and state level and deliver real wins for all.
That's why we are organizing the Rhode Island Tenants Union, a statewide organization of renters fighting to ensure that everyone has a say over their housing conditions. When we stand together, we can win the protections and stability that we need and deserve.
Centennial Towers Tenants Union Goes Public
Reclaim members rally for rent stabilization at Providence City Hall
Reclaim members and Centennial Towers Tenant Union members raise awareness about the union campaign
Reclaim RI members attend No Kings rally in Providence
Reclaim members rally for tenants' rights at RI State House
Reclaim members meet with Providence City Councilwoman Peterson to discuss housing affordability
Reclaim members take action against local slumlord
Reclaim members rally for tenants' rights at RI State House
Reclaim members campaign for rent stabilization
Reclaim members attend public introduction of rent stabilization ordinance
Reclaim members attend public introduction of proposed rent stabilization ordinance
June 10, 2026
Reclaim publicly launches Charles Place Tenants Union with supermajority support
Providence Journal: 200-unit Providence high-rise unionizes amid tenant complaints
Steve Ahlquist: Renters announce the formation of the Charles Place Tenants Union
May 25, 2026
Reclaim publicly launches Etta Apartments Tenant Union with supermajority support
Providence Journal: After a management change, another RI apartment building is unionizing
Providence Journal: See the Etta Apartments tenants as they announce a new tenant union
Steve Ahlquist: Etta Tenants Union forms "to protect our rights and make sure that we are not being mistreated by management"
May 16, 2026
After Mayor Smiley vetoes rent stabilization, Reclaim looks to bolster progressive campaigns
May 14, 2026
Reclaim organizes renters as a political class, putting housing affordability on the ballot
May 6, 2026
Reclaim successfully fights to ban algorithmic rent-setting devices, and the City of Providence enforces the new law
Providence Journal: Providence takes Boston company to court for setting rent by algorithm
May 6, 2026
After receiving major donations from the real estate lobby, City Council members Ana Vargas and John Goncalves voted against rent stabilization; Reclaim responds
April 17, 2026
Reclaim successfully campaigns to pressure Providence City Council to pass rent stabilization
Providence Journal: Providence passes rent stabilization, mayor promises veto. What's next?
February 12, 2026
Reclaim announces endorsement of David Morales for Mayor of Providence
February 18, 2026
Reclaim and coalition allies campaign to pressure Providence City Council members to vote yes on rent stabilization
January 21, 2026
Organizing campaign by Reclaim and allies leads Providence City Council to introduce rent stabilization proposal
Providence Journal: Providence City Council launches push for rent stabilization. What it means.
Providence Preservation Society: Providence City Council President Rachel Miller announces potential new rent stabilization ordinance
January 10, 2026
ACLU and Reclaim team up against Jeff Butler and Elmwood Realty
November 19, 2025
Centennial Towers Tenants Union goes public
November 4, 2025
Jill Davidson, Reclaim-endorsed candidate for Ward 2 special election, wins Democratic primary
JULY 10, 2025
Reclaim & tenants file federal RICO suit against Jeff Butler and Elmwood Realty
June 13, 2025
Reclaim helps block landlord lobby rollbacks of the rental registry
June 18, 2025
Reclaim helps kill Mayor Brett Smiley's corporate developer handout "reform" bill
April 2, 2024
Elmwood Tenants Union goes public
2/18 Rent Stabilization Public Hearing Highlights
Providence Community members share their perspectives on the proposed rent stabilization ordinance.
Join our movement
Jump into our growing base of passionate and dedicated community organizers. Together we can take on the big, corporate landlords and build a Rhode Island where everybody has the safe, affordable, and decent housing they deserve.
Join our growing movement and help us build a Rhode Island that belongs to the people!
