New Haven Fair Rent Commission denies recognition to competing tenant unions
The Sunset Ridge apartments in New Haven, owned by Capital Realty Group, are without a tenants’ union following an investigation by the city’s Fair Rent Commission (FRC).
Since October, two groups have been competing to form a tenant’s union at Sunset Ridge when tenants raised various issues with their living conditions, such as mold, faulty appliances, and rodents.
To be recognized, tenant unions require participation from 51% of renters.
Regarding Sunset Ridge Apartments, a group would need to submit signatures from 159 lessees.
Tenant Union 1, organized by Sebastian Gomez, submitted its signatures in late October.
Tenant Union 2 submitted their paperwork in mid- November. It was filed by Cynthia Vega Vieyra and Tawana Galberth, who are backed by the Connecticut Tenants Union, a state advocacy group for renters.
The FRC initially recognized Tenant Union 1 on October 30, 2025, but rescinded the recognition on March 12, 2026, after its investigation revealed inconsistencies in the submitted signatures.
Documents filed by the FRC claim the investigation into Tenant Union 1 arose after a tenant listed as a member reached out to the FRC after seeing her name on the union list while at the apartment complex’s property management office.
After a four-month investigation, the FRC found that of the 202 signatures submitted by Tenant Union 1, only 128 names were legible; 55 were verified by phone, but ultimately only two names met the required criteria.
The FRC also found issues with duplicate signatures and tenants who expressed intent to withdraw from the union.
NBC Connecticut made multiple attempts via phone and email to contact Gomez, but was unable to get in contact.
In the investigation into Tenant Union 2, initially 168 signatures were submitted, but the FRC was only able to verify 146 legible names.
They found inconsistencies among members, with some seeking support but not joining, and others wishing to be removed completely.
The FRC concluded Tenant Union 2 is missing 62 tenant signatures to fulfill the requirements.
“While there are a few numbers not working and other things like that, our union hasn’t been barred from attempting to file again; it’s just we need to collect a few more signatures and correct some of the info that was missing,” said Luke Melonakos, Connecticut Tenants Union’s Vice President.
There is an ongoing lawsuit filed by Vega Vieyra against Capital Realty for alleged retaliation efforts.
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