Tenants in Pilsen and Woodlawn are taking a stand against their landlords with lawsuits and unionization in response to alleged neglect, unsafe living conditions, and retaliatory rent hikes. In Pilsen, a group of renters have filed suit against First Western Properties after the firm, owned by Paul Tsakiris, reportedly increased rents following tenant demands for repairs and maintenance, as per Chicago Sun-Times. Tenant Cristina Miranda received a nonrenewal notice immediately after an announcement of this lawsuit, hinting at a supposed act of retaliation by the landlord.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times report, Miranda, who has been living at her Pilsen apartment since January 2023, experienced problems like water leaks and after unsuccessfully using an online portal to request fixes, joined forces with neighbors to create the First Western Tenants Union. In a similar thread, Woodlawn residents unionized against 6610 S. Kenwood Residences LLC, subsequently prompting the city to sue the landlords over violations related to basic utilities and safety. "The Department of Buildings takes life safety very seriously," city spokesperson Hannah Fierle said, signaling the gravity of the issues found during inspections, including hazardous electrical wiring and infestations.

Over in Woodlawn, tenants have been grappling with life safety violations and months of alleged landlord retaliation, which led to the city suing 312 Property Management to compel repairs and address over 40 code violations. The lawsuit also includes a sizable daily fine for each unresolved violation. Megan Franklin, lead organizer of the 312 Tenants Union, stated at a press conference that the tenants were prepared to take legal action if necessary, aiming to secure a building receivership if the landlord's repairs remain unsatisfactory. This information was documented in a report by the Block Club Chicago.

In both neighborhoods, the actions of the landlords following tenant complaints have brought to light the strained dynamics between renters and large property firms in Chicago. While Pilsen tenants like Alex Wirt expressed outrage over unwarranted rent increases – more than 50% in his case – Woodlawn tenants are fighting to not only stay in their homes but to do so under humane conditions. Shayla Brown, a Woodlawn resident and nursing student, lamented her struggle to find new housing accepting affordable housing vouchers, given her current living situation rife with roaches and incomplete maintenance, according to the same Block Club Chicago interview.

The disputes echo a wider concern for tenant rights and housing instability amid a clashing battle for safe, affordable living spaces. As of now, the outcome of these high-stakes conflicts remains to be seen, with each side digging in and residents clinging to solidarity in the face of upheaval. First Western Properties has not yet provided comments regarding the legal complaints or accusations of retaliatory rent increases and lease nonrenewals.