Huuracties

Huuracties are organized campaigns by tenants to advocate for lower rents, against rent increases, or for better housing conditions. They are typically initiated by tenants' associations, unions, or neighborhood groups, but can involve individual tenants. Actions can be carried out at the building level or across a district or city. Common tactics include rent strikes, public demonstrations, petitions, information campaigns, and negotiations with landlords or property managers, as well as lobbying municipal or national authorities for regulation and enforcement of housing standards. In some cases, groups coordinate with wider social movements or political organizations to raise awareness and gain support.

Legal and risk considerations: The legal status of rent withholding varies by jurisdiction; participation may carry eviction risk or penalties; many organizers emphasize lawful, non-violent methods and seek to inform participants and obtain legal guidance.

Impact and goals: The primary goals are to secure lower rents, halt increases, ensure repairs, and push for policy changes such as stronger rent control, improved enforcement of housing standards, or more affordable housing supply.

Context: In the Netherlands and Belgium, huuracties have a history as part of tenant activism; they appear in other Dutch-speaking communities; influenced by broader anti-eviction and affordability concerns.