Rogers Park Tenants From 5 Buildings Form Union After Rent Spike

In Rogers Park, tenants from five apartment buildings have formed a union named Fuerzas Activas De La Damen in response to significant rent increases averaging $500 following their acquisition by developer Imran Khan. The All Chicago Tenants Alliance organized a rally where approximately 50 tenants demanded that Khan restore previous rent prices and improve building conditions. Activists have warned that evictions could commence as soon as September 1, highlighting the urgency of their situation. Khan, who purchased the properties from a previous landlord with a controversial history, has defended his actions by stating the buildings were in a distressed condition. He offered potential rent reductions for tenants who sign new leases, yet many residents have expressed distrust and dissatisfaction with his management.

Most tenants have lived in their apartments for over two decades, and organizers accuse Khan of attempting to gentrify an area that has historically supported a thriving Latin community. One tenant revealed that Khan attempted to sway her support by offering new amenities in exchange for abandoning the union effort. The situation underscores broader issues of housing affordability and tenant rights in rapidly developing neighborhoods.