The sad reality of politics is that what is said isn't always what is done. Lack of public participation doesn't help matters when it comes to holding politicians to their word.

So it's refreshing to see that 150 tenants of city-owned affordable rental properties have formed a grassroots effort to save their homes, even with encouraging assurances from Mayor Mufi Hannemann that the properties would remain affordable in perpetuity once the city sells them.

It wasn't long after the mayor made that announcement in February that the tenants began organizing. And on Sunday, the group of residents from around the Island held a meeting during which they came up with a list of criteria for potential buyers.

The tenants' wish-list is not unreasonable; in fact, it's quite basic — asking that potential buyers agree to spend money on backlogged maintenance and avoid any considerable rent increases. That's not much to ask. Most residents barely make enough to make ends meet, and affordable housing is the safety net keeping them from homelessness.

"We welcome recommendations from those who live in the city's affordable housing units," said city spokesman Bill Brennan. "Properties will only be sold to companies or nonprofits that agree to keep them affordable."

Assurances from the mayor and the city that the units will remain affordable are a good start. And tenants taking a proactive approach will help ensure that these promises will indeed be kept.