International Union of Tenants

International Union of Tenants (IUT) is a non-governmental and not-for-profit membership organisation for tenants’ organisations across the globe. IUT was founded in 1926 in Zürich, Switzerland. Since 1956 our head office is in Stockholm, Sweden with a representative office in Brussels since 2008. IUT is a non-party affiliated, political organisation. We have 69 member organisations in 45 countries, and are financed through membership fees.

We consider housing to be a fundamental human right in every society. Our purpose is to promote the exchange of information and knowledge among our members, safeguard the interests of tenants and to promote affordable and decent rental housing across the world.

Housing needs to be addressed locally, nationally and internationally. Affordable and sound housing is one of the safeguards for peace and security, a fundamental pillar in all democratic societies and necessary for labour mobility. Lack of affordable housing and homelessness are major ingredients in social exclusion. Tenants should have a right to participate in decisions affecting their homes.