[2][3] RAHU organises for safe and secure housing through self-advocacy, education, and eviction defence.

[2][7] The union was formed following a rent strike campaign organised by the Industrial Workers of the World branch in Melbourne.

[11] In the union's first year, members dealt with a total of 84 cases involving 146 claims.

Of those cases, $126,775.20 of $139,947.16 in debt was resolved in favour of RAHU members by negotiating rent reductions, debt waivers, preventing rental increases, or claiming bonds.

Landlords, real estate agents, property managers, police officers, bailiffs, and sheriffs are not allowed to join the union.