Wielkopolskie Stowarzyszenie Lokatorów (WSL) is a tenants’ rights association based in Poznań, Poland. It was founded on 16 December 2011 by activists associated with the Rozbrat collective and residents of a tenement on Piaskowa Street who were facing attempts by new owners to remove them from their homes. Tenants from other privatized buildings and people affected by the municipal housing authority also joined. 4
WSL’s stated aims include protecting tenants’ rights and interests in dealings with property owners and managers, as well as municipal and central authorities. It also seeks to connect tenants’ groups and support mutual-aid activities. Its work includes assistance for people with disabilities and efforts to support employment for people who are out of work or at risk of losing their jobs. 4
The association’s activities include tenant advocacy and legal support, intervention in housing disputes, and opposition to illegal evictions and forced removals from private tenements. Its work has included organizing eviction blockades, helping residents deal with public authorities, mediation with city officials, and meetings for tenants. 48 WSL also cooperates with similar groups across Poland, so its connections extend beyond its home city even though its base and much of its work are in Poznań. 4
WSL has run a supported social-housing project since 2017, intended to help residents move toward greater independence. Its website reports that the project had covered nine shared homes and served 95 people by the end of 2019. 3