Tenants on Rent Strike at 3100 Bloomington Over Lack of Security and Repairs

On the two year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, families, people of color, and immigrants at 3100 Bloomington joined together to withhold May rent from their apartment owner. As a reminder of the connections between police violence and housing, Karoline, a tenant of 3100 Bloomington stated, “We are humans. We need decent, livable conditions.”

Renters are calling on their apartment owner to replace security doors in the building (not just locks), to charge fair and respectful rent, to make necessary repairs, and to meet with renters to discuss how to ensure safety in their homes. 

“My son has developed asthma because of the conditions of the windows,” said Tania, another tenant of 3100 Bloomington. “On top of that, we have mice and cockroach infestations. I have to continuously take out the poop that they leave behind.” 

Tenants also describe insecure doors that have allowed strangers into the building. Multiple renters report being threatened in the building. Said Tania, “We have constantly addressed the issues with the doors not being secured. Some of our neighbors have been assaulted physically and verbally. We’ve tried to bring that up many times, and it’s yet to be addressed.”

This is coming after a significant rent increase in February, and another due in August. Paulina, a tenant of 12 years, says she is being charged for light, gas, heat, sewage, and water, despite a lack of air conditioning, a leaking refrigerator, drafty windows, and a damaged sink. 

Ward 9 Council Member Jason Chavez came to demonstrate his support. “I stand in solidarity with my constituents, the people that I represent. I’m already working with the City of Minneapolis [about this].” Discussing the tenants’ living conditions, Chavez added, “They continue to see their rent increase. They continue to see appalling living conditions in their building that have promised to be addressed but no action has been taken.”