If you live in a multi-unit building or complex and have repair or other problems, chances are that your neighbors have similar complaints. Organizing together can be a very effective way of bringing pressure on the landlord to make repairs. For instance, it's much harder for a landlord to ignore ten tenants than one, not to mention that there is safety in numbers. The following are some steps that might be helpful in getting started with an organizing campaign.

1. Personally contact other people in your building or complex (knock on doors) to find out if others are having similar problems.

2. Find a meeting place (such as someone's apartment) where people will feel comfortable speaking freely.

3. It is important that management is not present at the first meeting. Make sure everyone knows that the meeting is for tenants only.

4. Find someone who is willing to lead the meeting, and prepare an agenda to help you stay on track.

5. Discuss everyone's concerns, and write down all the issues that are raised.

6. Decide which issues will be addressed first, and discuss possible plans of action. Possibilities might include: sending a petition to the landlord listing all the repairs needed, or inviting the landlord to the next meeting to present the "demands" in person.

7. Decide exactly what steps need to be taken, and assign tasks.

8. Summarize the agreements reached at the meeting so that everyone is clear about the strategy, and understands who will do what.

9. Your power comes from being organized, which means forming a united front and speaking with one voice. Make sure you have a clear plan that everyone agrees with.

10. Set a time and a place for the next meeting