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Join the H2 Tenants Union
The ultimate goals of the H2 Tenants Union are to improve rental housing conditions and reduce the cost of rent by collective action. We aim to achieve these goals by raising awareness and providing education and resources for action.
Membership is FREE and the only requirement is that you believe in improving your local community.
If you share the H2 Tenant’s Union’s vision for housing justice, you are eligible for membership.
You may be a current H2 tenant, neighbor, advocate, or community member. We all have a vested interest in the housing conditions of the renters in our community.
Membership is also open to anyone else who wants to contribute time, resources, or expertise to support the H2 Tenants’ Union.
Sign up today!
Why is community action needed?
H2 Real Estate manages the homes of thousands of renters
Approximately 585,358 households in Alabama are renters. This number represents nearly 30% of the total households in the state, with the rate of homeownership being about 73.8%, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
However, in Birmingham, the percentage of renter-occupied households is higher, at 55%.
As of June 2025, H2 Real Estate manages over 2,500 units in Birmingham, Alabama.
H2 Real Estate has a large number of tenants residing in their properties, spread across over 150 properties.
Over half of Birmingham renters are “cost-burdened” by the price of rent
In Birmingham, Alabama, the median renter household income is $33,000 per year. However, the median monthly housing costs are $1,060.
In Birmingham, 53% of renter households are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of their income on rent).
A significant 30.4% of Birmingham renter households are severely cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 50% of their income on rent, according to AL.com.
This suggests that a large portion of Birmingham renters struggle to afford housing, with many facing financial hardship.
Housing discrimination exists in Birmingham
As of 2023, some 30,000 claims of housing discrimination were filed, forcing the Birmingham City Council to establishing a housing policy committee to attempt to level the playing field.
Discrimination can be subtle: Illegal discrimination can take various forms, including subtle actions like steering tenants away from certain neighborhoods or setting stricter requirements for certain groups, which may not always be reported.
Not all incidents are reported: Many instances of housing discrimination may go unreported due to a lack of awareness of rights or fear of retaliation.
Data collection limitations: While organizations track housing discrimination complaints, this doesn't capture the full scope of discriminatory acts.
For more information on housing discrimination, see the Birmingham Fair Housing Center which assists tenants facing discrimination.
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you can:
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Alabama Fair Housing Law Enforcement Agency.
Contact a fair housing organization like the Birmingham Fair Housing Center for assistance.
Consult with an attorney specializing in housing discrimination cases.
*This information is provided as context for the issues facing Birmingham renters. This is a legal disclaimer.
H2 Real Estate has a bad reputation on Reddit
A June 2025 Google AI synopsis of H2 Real Estate states, in part:
“Based on Reddit posts, H2 Real Estate, a property management company in Birmingham, Alabama, has received a lot of negative feedback from residents. Here are some common complaints and experiences shared on Reddit regarding H2 Real Estate:
Negative Experiences:
Poor Maintenance: Several users report issues with maintenance, including slow response times and failure to adequately address problems like HVAC issues, leaks, mold, and pest infestations.
Unsafe Conditions: Some residents describe apartments that are in poor condition, with issues like mold, buckling floors, and mice.
Lack of Response to Tenant Concerns: Users mention that H2 doesn't seem to take tenant concerns seriously, even when presented with evidence of legal violations or unsafe conditions.
High Rent & Fees: Some feel they are overcharged for apartments that are not well-maintained. There are also mentions of unexpected fees being added to rent.
Monopoly & Power Dynamics: Some Redditors express frustration with H2's large presence in the Birmingham area and the feeling that they are a "monopoly" with little regard for tenants.
Difficult to Work With: Tenants report issues with “communication and unhelpful office staff.”
Who is Eligible?
Anyone that believes every renter deserves safe, affordable housing, free from discrimination, retaliation, and unlawful eviction. Members are people who share the Tenants Union’s values and vision for housing justice.
Current tenants of H2 Real Estate who want to build stronger rights and protections through collective action. You may have had problems getting repairs done, getting your deposits back, or believe that rent is too high. If you have ever had a housing problem, you know that laws in Alabama State are not strong enough to offer tenants the protections they both need and deserve. Every H2TU member builds the strength of the organization and our collective ability to improve conditions for all H2 tenants and the surrounding communities.
Anyone who wants to stay connected or get involved in the movement for tenants’ rights. This includes tenants of other landlords and homeowners in the communities surrounding H2 properties. The H2TU’s regular newsletter, Tenant Solidarity, informs our membership about emerging issues for renters, organizing campaigns, and upcoming events. Members also have the opportunity to get more involved with work for housing justice.
