Residents of Independence Towers in Kansas City have ended an unprecedented 247-day rent strike, securing a formal agreement with new ownership that addresses years of neglect, stabilizes rent, and recognizes their tenant union. The agreement, finalized in early June, marks one of the most significant tenant-led victories in the region’s history.
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Eight-Month Strike Ends With Tenant Victory
The rent strike, which began on October 1, 2024, lasted more than eight months and involved the withholding of nearly $300,000 in rent. Tenants launched the action in response to severe living conditions, including broken plumbing, pest infestations, and a failing HVAC system. Organizers from KC Tenants supported the effort, which ended only after new owner Dynasty Properties agreed to a sweeping contract.
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Lease Protection and Rent Caps Secured
Under the new agreement, all current tenants are offered lease renewals, with rent increases capped at 5% in the second year. Rental rates remain largely unchanged: $730 for studios, $855 for one-bedroom units, and $965 for two-bedroom apartments. A three-week grace period has been introduced for late payments, with a modest $50 late fee replacing harsher penalties…