The Tenants' Association of Montenegro announced today that it is calling on all tenants, families and citizens to join the multi-day protests in front of the Parliament of Montenegro, which will begin on May 25, 2025.
"This protest is not just a one-sided event. This is a fight for our right to a home. We expect brave families who are aware enough and ready to no longer remain silent. We will not retreat until our voices are heard. We expect readiness for a fight that will not stop," the Tenants' Association said in a statement.
They added that the protests will last several days.
"We are starting the protest on May 25th, but it will not stop there. We are ready for many days and nights, sleeping in front of the Assembly on the street, until what we are demanding is fulfilled. Solidarity and the power of togetherness: We call on all tenants and their families to show courage and determination. Everyone who wants to fight for their rights should be present at this protest, because this is our fight. We call on all tenant families to register. We expect all tenant families who are ready to stand up to injustice and fight for their rights to register with us. If you or your family are faced with unfair rental conditions, unsafe living conditions or unsettled legislation, we invite you to register and join our fight," said the Tenants' Association.
How can you help?
"Register your family – show that you are not just a statistic. Leave your contact and be part of the protest. Share your story – a dialogue about the injustice suffered by tenants will help make our voice stronger and clearer. Invite others – we invite all tenants to invite their friends, neighbors and acquaintances who are also suffering in these conditions. Register via our website or social networks, so that we have as many families as possible to support this initiative," said the Tenants' Association.
Demands from the protest
The Tenants' Association has stated what they will demand from the protest.
1. Reduction of rental prices and legislative protection of tenants: The state must adopt laws that protect tenants and guarantee a maximum rental price that is in line with the average income of Montenegrin citizens. Regulation of the rental market: Introduction of clear and binding rules for owners, who will not be able to drastically increase prices without justified reasons.
2. Construction of affordable housing: The state must begin designing and building housing that will be available to tenants at affordable prices. Priority for the construction of apartments for young families, workers and all those who do not have their own homes, with subsidized interest rates for housing loans.
3. Legislative protection of tenants' rights: Introduction of a law that protects tenants from unlawful termination of leases and forced evictions without timely notice. Introduction of a registry of rental apartments, so that tenants have access to clear and transparent information about rental conditions.
4. Reduction of taxes and fees for rental apartments: Reduction of property taxes for landlords who rent apartments at affordable prices, in order to reduce market rental prices. Exemption from tax on the first property for tenants who want to enter the property market, especially for young families and workers.
5. Public housing policy that puts citizens first: The state must introduce measures to prevent speculation in the real estate market and ensure that citizens, not just investors, have the right to access their own home. Law on controlled rental prices in urban areas, as well as rental subsidies for low-income families.
"We will not stop until our voice is heard. We expect not only support, but also a fight on the ground from all tenants, because only together can we change the situation. Our fight is not just for lower rent prices, but for the dignity, security and right to a home of every tenant in Montenegro. We will not be silenced and we will not retreat until we get what is ours," the Tenants' Association said in a statement.
They said they are calling on all families, tenants, young and old, all citizens who want a better life, to come and support them at the protest on May 25th.
"Together we will show politicians that we cannot be forgotten! Our voice must be heard, because we are the ones who create this country and feed its budget, and we are not protected in the least. If we are not ready to stand together now, when will we be," said the Tenants' Association.
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