Each Tenant Has A Voice

Earle Manor Tenant Association

Earle Manor Tenant(hood) Assiciation, Inc., has been recognized by county agencies and community organizations, including the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (OLTA) and other local stakeholders, since 2020.  Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to residents facing homelessness, we came together when property management raised the rent up to 28%, despite Covid-19 and Program Housing protections. 


In 2025, the association was incorporated and, at management's request, changed its name. Despite complying with that request, the association has since been told by members of on-site management that it "does not exist" or is not "registered." However, there is no official state or county registry for tenant associations in Maryland. Denying  our existence, then asking for certifications that don't exist, is a classic tactic to keep you from knowing you rights. 


We have also encouraged property management (and OLTA to provide this information, officially) to become more familiar with the role and rights of tenant associations. Constructive engagement begins with recognizing that tenant associations are a legitimate form of resident organization. For example, association notices and signs have at times been removed despite being clearly marked, with one staff member reportedly stating, "I don't care how it's marked; my director said I could," "You don't exist," and most recently is: "there is no official Tenant Association, and most recently,  

"no registered or officially recognized tenant association." 


Property Management seems to be confusing 'existence' with 'certification status.' The Earle Manor I and II Tenant Association's Articles of Incorporation established the association's existence; certification indicates eligibility for particular legal rights we do not seek at this time. We would only consider certification if we wanted Right of First Refusal (ROFR) to buy the building when it's for sale. 

There is no Housing-wide process for granting general "official recognition, and there "no County-wide program where a tenant association can simply register or become officially DHCA-certified solely for general advocacy purposes. While we are not aware of a DHCA certification requirement for general tenant advocacy, we would welcome clarification regarding any specific registration or recognition program being referenced.

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This is our home. Residents have a legitimate interest in how management conducts itself, communicates with tenants, and responds to resident concerns. Actions and interactions are noticed, remembered, and evaluated by the community.


The Earle Manor Tenant Association remains committed to respectful dialogue, resident education, and cooperation with management whenever possible, while continuing to advocate for the rights and interests of Earle Manor residents.

Focus Areas

Safety and Security Observers

Welfare & Development Advocates

Safety and Security Observers

Ongoing (everyone)

Safety Trends presented  at Monthly Meeting 


Reports & tracks lighting, access, and camera needs; identifies hazards that impede accessibility


Invites self‑defense programs from the community for vulnerable populations.


Tracks crime trends (e.g. vehicle theft) and advises appropriate safety measures. 


Tracks building trends 

Ongoing (everyone)

Safety Trends presented  at Monthly Meeting 


Reports & tracks lighting, access, and camera needs; identifies hazards that impede accessibility


Invites self‑defense programs from the community for vulnerable populations.


Tracks crime trends (e.g. vehicle theft) and advises appropriate safety measures. 


Tracks building trends (e.g.  repair or access issues) 



Don't be afriaid,

Be aware. 



Tenant Advocates

Welfare & Development Advocates

Safety and Security Observers

10 min / week - time enough for Coffee (or Chai!) with a Neighbor 

& 1 hour every month   

 Informal Peer Networks  


Peer Support Specialist Training Access 


 These caring folks will also put in a ticket if you're afraid to put your name on it, especially with common area issues 


Please seek them out if you need a boost to your efforts in reso

10 min / week - time enough for Coffee (or Chai!) with a Neighbor 

& 1 hour every month   

 Informal Peer Networks  


Peer Support Specialist Training Access 


 These caring folks will also put in a ticket if you're afraid to put your name on it, especially with common area issues 


Please seek them out if you need a boost to your efforts in resolving maintenence or administrative issues


Quietly identifies hardships and leads to resources 

  (On-Site Food Pantry*, ESL Classes, Manna, S Food, Interfaith Clothing, Montgomery Works, Wider Circle, Voter Registration Drive, Rental Assistance, assistance with filling out forms, etc. )


Will help to build your packet for a Reasonable Accomodation Request (e.g. handicapped space closer to your apartment) 






Vulnerable Population Advocates

Welfare & Development Advocates

Welfare & Development Advocates

15 min / week - time enough for Coffee (or Chai!) with a Neighbor 

& 1 hour every month 

 Informal Peer Networks  


Peer Support Specialist Training Access 


Program Cooperation 

Ensures a smooth and quick transition for newly rehoused Residents


Elder Care

Connects to other elders in the community, bimonthly health initiative


 Veterans

Link to Veter

15 min / week - time enough for Coffee (or Chai!) with a Neighbor 

& 1 hour every month 

 Informal Peer Networks  


Peer Support Specialist Training Access 


Program Cooperation 

Ensures a smooth and quick transition for newly rehoused Residents


Elder Care

Connects to other elders in the community, bimonthly health initiative


 Veterans

Link to Veteran-specific activities through nearby nearby 


Supporting Recovery Models that work for all Residents

Welfare & Development Advocates

Welfare & Development Advocates

Welfare & Development Advocates

 15 min / week - time 

1 hour Monthly Meeting

Scheduler Needed 


 Calls, invites, and calendars  presentations on a health, life, or safety. 

We're available when they're reasonably availble. 

(e.g. Office of the Landlord-Tenant, Wheaton or Kensington Volunteer Rescue Squads, MCPD Engagement, MCFRS: car seat installation, basic apartment safety

 15 min / week - time 

1 hour Monthly Meeting

Scheduler Needed 


 Calls, invites, and calendars  presentations on a health, life, or safety. 

We're available when they're reasonably availble. 

(e.g. Office of the Landlord-Tenant, Wheaton or Kensington Volunteer Rescue Squads, MCPD Engagement, MCFRS: car seat installation, basic apartment safety, 

Red Cross First Aid, CPR, or Narcan Administration; 

CERT, Neighborhood Watch, Renters' Alliance...)  


Maintains partnerships with community organizations 


Brainstorms development ideas with residents, identifies themes, and engages partnership with the larger community

Administrators

Media Specialists

Media Specialists

 2 hours / week 

plus 2-4 hours per month (meetings) 


 Disseminates timely, topical, and direct information/resources to the Community via literature, website, and newsletter 


Maintains Residents Interest to Property Management and /or Stakeholders with Residents experience and needs 


Maintains partnerships with community organizations 


Connects with other Tenant Associations









Media Specialists

Media Specialists

Media Specialists

 10min/day 


Researches current events and trends from many souces that affect: housing, assistance, access


Gathers and presents statistics


Under Montgomery County Code: researches, updates, publishes, and disemminates Tenanthood Association media (Website, Social Media Presence, Literature, Signage, Brochures) tailored to our community 












Tenant Emereti

Media Specialists

Parties & Events

 5 min / week 

 

Full awareness of 

& free access to: 

Tenant Protections, Rights & Responsibilities

Shares accurate rental assistance or refers to a Tenant Advocate


Willing to share/research rental resources and accurate information


 








Parties & Events

Media Specialists

Parties & Events

Washington Housing Conservancy is hosting special interests groups and social events on the property.


Please contact 

Ms. Monica 

Cardenas-Guzman  

 (202) 481-3258 x7

mguzman@washhousing.org 

 1310 L Street NW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20005

with your great ideas for cooking classes, etc. 


Please take a moment to  respond to their current "Shape Your Community" Survey in the Lobby!