Tenants fed up with skyrocketing rents rallied outside the Bronx Housing Court Tuesday.

The tenants are calling on elected leaders to support universal rent control and put an end to what they call landlord abuse.

Members of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition along with residents joined forces to fight for an end to what's known as "major capital improvement" and "individual apartment improvement" rent increases. That's when a landlord can ask for higher rent from rent-stabilized or rent-controlled tenants based on money spent on improvements.

Protesters say landlords abuse the practices as a way to kick people out of their homes. That's why they want officials to support the universal rent control platform.

Those in attendance say they feel there is a housing crisis in the Bronx. They say the rent spikes are causing an eviction epidemic.