Rogers Park Tenants Call For Rent Strike After New Landlord's 'Excessive' Price Increase

Tenants in Rogers Park are gearing up for a rent strike after their landlord, Imran Khan of Ark Management Solutions, raised rents significantly. One-bedroom units now cost $1,400, while two-bedroom units are priced at $1,550, up from rents below $1,000. Many tenants, predominantly Hispanic or Latino and working minimum-wage jobs, demand more reasonable increases of $50-$100 and repairs for ongoing issues like broken windows and mold. Khan claims the union's allegations are misleading and that he has already invested $1. 5 million in improvements.

He accuses the union of refusing to engage in good-faith negotiations and states that he is open to dialogue. Organizers emphasize that the rent increases threaten to displace vulnerable immigrant families already facing challenges. The union formed after Khan's purchase of the buildings earlier this year, which led to steep rent increase notifications. Tenants argue that their living conditions do not justify the high rents being demanded.