rent strike

noun

: a refusal by a group of tenants to pay rent (as in protest against high rates)

Examples of rent strike in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Issues at Bowen Tower Barlow said that she and her neighbors were inspired to unionize after watching the Independence Towers tenant union successfully achieve better living conditions through a similar rent strike nearby. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2026 As Molly and Jake argue about the best way to confront the problem, Jake—in high dudgeon, waving his finger like a baton—makes the case for a rent strike, tearing up his rent check and calling for a building-wide protest. Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 Flores had attached a sign to the front with a message calling for a citywide rent strike. Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rent strike

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rent strike was in 1881

Cite this Entry

“Rent strike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rent%20strike. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

Legal Definition

rent strike

noun
: a refusal by a group of tenants to pay rent (as in protest against high rates)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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