Tenant Group Prepares Case Against HRE

In an effort to recover $500,000 in alleged rent overcharges, the Harvard Tenants Union (HTU) recently announced plans for a fundraising campaign for a legal suit against Harvard Real Estate (HRE).

Mike Turk, a spokesman for the Union, said yesterday that the University has overcharged some of its tenants since 1975, when the University raised its rents to compensate for property tax hikes, despite the fact that several of the properties affected had just received tax abatements and reduced assessments.

The Union began fundraising with a benefit dance last month, but Turk said the group needs more money because it is considering several legal courses.

Jacqueline A. O'Neill, assistant to the vice-president for community and government affairs, said yesterday that she had not been informed of HTU's plans for legal action against the University.

Any tenants with complaints should direct them to the rent control board for a hearing, she said.