First Tenant's Union Forms in Meriden

Meriden, CT — Tenants of the ten-unit apartment building at 57 Pleasant Street in Meriden have organized to fight back against egregious rent hikes and unfair treatment from their new investment firm-landlord, Alpha Capital Funds. The formation of this tenant union marks yet another expansion of the Alpha Capital division of the Connecticut Tenants Union, adding to existing chapters in New London and Niantic. 

The union is the first of its kind in Meriden. Tenants are taking this critical step after receiving rent increases to the tune of $400-$750 a month, representing increases of 42% to 80%. All nine of the ten units occupied by tenants in the building have organized with their neighbors to advocate for fair and reasonable rent prices and to pursue action with the Meriden Fair Rent Commission. A broad coalition of  labor unions, houses of worship, community members, and political leaders in Meriden are supporting the residents championing fair, safe, and affordable housing. 

As Alpha Capital acquires additional rental properties across the state, more and more tenants are organizing to resist unstable and unaffordable rent increases, forced displacement, negligent property management, and union busting strategies.

Investment firm and corporate landlord Alpha Capital owns at least 400 units across the state of Connecticut. Recently, the firm has grown its Connecticut footprint, buying buildings in Middletown, Waterbury, Meriden, and New Britain. 

The company was also recently sued by the family of an employee, who tragically passed while working on the roof of a building without the proper licensure. In 2024, six employees of the firm falsely posed as tenants before the Connecticut state legislature, testifying against an eviction-protection bill.

The Alpha Capital Division of the Connecticut Tenants Union has repeatedly requested a negotiation meeting with Alpha Capital CEO Tyler Smith. Smith has refused to recognize the union, and has not met with union representatives from any building, despite claims that he “takes resident concerns seriously.” Smith describes himself as a real estate entrepreneur and influencer.