Marina
In a historic move, KC Tenants have launched the largest tenant union effort in the region, marking the first time tenants from multiple complexes under a shared corporate landlord have joined forces to demand change.
Residents from Parker Square Apartments, Paraclete Manor Apartments, and Sage Crossing Apartments have officially formed tenant unions, uniting across state lines to confront Capital Realty Group, one of the largest owners of subsidized housing in the nation.
This union effort signals a growing shift in how tenants are organizing to fight for safe, dignified, and affordable housing.
The Tenant Union’s Core Demands
The newly formed tenant unions have outlined a clear list of demands addressing long-standing issues of neglect, unsafe conditions, and mistreatment.
| Tenant Demand | Description |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Pest Control | Eradication of roaches, mice, and other infestations plaguing units. |
| Quality & Timely Maintenance | Prompt repairs to prevent further property decay and safety hazards. |
| Cancellation of Back Rent | Relief for tenants facing unjust or disputed back rent charges. |
| Transparent Rent Calculations | Clear breakdowns of rent and fees to eliminate hidden costs. |
| End to Retaliation & Intimidation | Protections for tenants who speak out about conditions. |
| Collectively Bargained Lease | A lease negotiated with tenant input to ensure fair living standards. |
These demands reflect shared struggles across the three complexes, highlighting systemic neglect and the urgent need for accountability from Capital Realty Group, led by Moshi Eichler.
Voices from the Ground
Tenants have shared emotional stories illustrating why this movement is more than just about repairs—it’s about basic dignity and human respect.
- Amy Plante, who has lived at Sage Crossing in Lee’s Summit with her 14-year-old daughter for 3.5 years, described living with black mold and roaches:
“You don’t feel proud to have people over. That’s not what home is about.” - Donna Jackson, a resident at Paraclete Manor for 25 years, said conditions have only worsened over time:
“It hasn’t gotten better—it seems to be worse.” - Maribel Hernandez, who has lived at Parker Square for over a year, is still living out of her suitcase due to ongoing mice infestations:
“It makes me feel like we don’t have value as human beings.”
These firsthand accounts show the physical and emotional toll poor housing conditions have taken on families and children, strengthening their resolve to organize.
Why This Union Is Historic
This is the largest tenant union effort ever organized in the region and the first to unite tenants across multiple properties and state lines under a single corporate landlord.
KC Tenants joins similar tenant-led campaigns emerging in other states, all aimed at holding large corporate landlords accountable. By joining together, tenants are leveraging collective power to demand systemic change.
| Key Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Complexes | 3 |
| Properties Involved | Parker Square, Paraclete Manor, Sage Crossing |
| Corporate Landlord | Capital Realty Group |
| Number of Units Affected | Several hundred combined |
| Union’s Primary Goal | Legally recognized bargaining power with landlord |
Organizers emphasize that this union effort is not only about improving local conditions, but about setting a national precedent for tenant organizing.
The launch of this tenant union marks a turning point for renters’ rights in Kansas City. By banding together, tenants are asserting their right to safe homes, fair treatment, and dignity, directly challenging the unchecked power of a major corporate landlord.
For the families of Parker Square, Paraclete Manor, and Sage Crossing, this fight is about more than repairs—it’s about being treated as valued human beings.
As KC Tenants continue to build momentum, this movement could spark a new era of tenant power across the region and beyond.