A missed paycheck, a health crisis, or an unpaid bill are all that separate many people from homelessness. As America's income gap widen's, renters worry if they can ever buy homes of their own - or keep their rentals through retirement. The lack of affordable housing is not just a U.S. problem. We Shall Not Be Moved uses domestic and international posters to show that homelessness issues and gentrification are major issues throughout the world. Join the MCC and IVTU in commemorating the one year anniversary of the Cedarwood Apartment evictions with this timely exhibit.
Opening reception Tuesday, Oct. 30th 5pm Multicultral Center Meeting Rooms. Food and speakers including IVTU founder Marisol Moreno.

Conquest Student Housing, the same business that attracted protests last year when it evicted several low-income families in Isla Vista, has become the center of controversy once again, this time in Los Angeles, where the company received a lawsuit from the University of Southern California for its allegedly illegal business practices. click here.

According to The California Landlord's Law Book: Rights & Responsibilities (David Brown, 2007), a landlord cannot charge a tenant for administrative costs in the security deposit. Landlords are supposed to cover these overhead expenses through rent payments. Yet Wolfe and Associates currently adds a 10-15% administrative charge to all deductions that are made from security deposits to cover their overhead costs.

In August 2006, Conquest Student Housing evicted 55 families and long-time Isla Vista residents of the Cedarwood apartments (now renamed Coronado) from their homes to pave way for high-priced student housing. For the tenants, who are mostly low-income Hispanic families, the evictions meant relocation from a place they and their children have called home for the greater part of a decade.

The Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU) is an organization serving the interests of Isla Vista tenants. We recognize the diversity of our community, and we strive to meet the different needs of our members while uniting our common interests as tenants. We educate tenants on their rights and responsibilities, and we act as a resource when problems occur. We believe people should live without the suffering that arises from discrimination, retaliation, or neglect. We reach out to property managers, the University, elected officials, local groups and individuals to realize our vision and address pressing tenant issues. In providing a service to the tenants of Isla Vista, we also hope to build a united, educated, and proactive community.