Source: WAMC Northeast Public Radio | By James Paleologopoulos
Published September 1, 2025 at 3:13 PM EDT
For the past few months, a small city in western Massachusetts has been the scene of multiple protests as local tenants and advocates call out rising rents. Organizers say rent increases at some properties, especially those owned by out-of-state companies, are getting out of hand, sparking calls for action.
There’s a pleasant view at Pleasant View Apartments in Easthampton – a 33-unit apartment complex that features Mount Tom in the background as well as Nashawannuck Pond nearby.
Last fall, the property traded hands for about $4 million, sold to a New York City-based investment firm, Rowin Capital.
After that, it wasn’t long before tenants say correspondence from a new property management firm arrived – paperwork from “A Better Way,” taped to their doors, detailing new, steep rent increases, saddled with new leases and only a short window to accept, says tenant Nancy Dorian.
“I know of three octogenarians in this complex, right now, that have been coerced to sign leases at $1,550 – that’s a jump from $1,150 or, in some cases, even $1,050 – not okay,” she said.
Dorian’s testimony and that of other tenants could be heard across the parking lot Saturday, Aug. 23, as renters and members of the housing advocacy group Springfield No One Leaves gathered to protest the hikes.
“We’re here with the Pleasant View Tenant Association to let the Scherban brothers know that these folks will not be moved, they are not agreeing to this egregious rent hike…” said No One Leaves Organizing Director Katie Talbot, singling out Rowin heads, Daniel and Joseph Scherban.
Months after the initial taped-to-door correspondence, Rowin reached out to tenants, saying they would drop $100 for anyone who signed on for the $1,550 rate. The firm noted “the way the increase was communicated was regrettable” and “not reflective of our business practices.”
For context, the fall letter from Better Way said anyone who balked at signing a new lease would receive a “30 day notice to quit with an invite to new tenancy at a new monthly rent amount of $1,750.”
