As residents of the Summit Apartments at Queens College, we face daily challenges that significantly affect our quality of life. The recent increase in rent charges for the 2024-25 academic year is not only exorbitant but also unjustifiable given the substandard living conditions we endure.

Our experiences are not isolated incidents but a daily reality for all residents here. We struggle with inconsistent wifi connectivity, which hampers our ability to complete academic work and stay connected with family and friends. The lack of access to heat and hot water is a basic human rights violation, leaving us cold during harsh New York winters. Additionally, a non-functioning elevator in an apartment complex poses significant accessibility issues.

We believe that these issues are unacceptable for any residential establishment, let alone one associated with an esteemed institution like Queens College. It's imperative to note that according to U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines, landlords must provide tenants with heat and hot water (HUD.gov). Moreover, under New York State law (Multiple Dwelling Law), buildings six stories (including the basement) or taller must have an operational elevator at all times.

We are calling on the Director of Student Affairs to address these pressing concerns immediately by ensuring fair rent charges reflective of our living conditions while providing consistent wifi connection, access to heat and hot water, as well as repairing the elevators permanently and maintaining upkeep on them. We also demand that there is consistent supervision with the technology in the computer room so we are provided with consistent printer and computer access, as our lease suggests. Also, we want an updated and usable fitness room, not a laughable excuse of a gym with three broken treadmills, varying access to cleaning products, and missing weights. We request that the Summit be crucial in hiring and having a fully staffed maintenance crew that can provide consistent cleaning and maintenance to the building. 

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair housing practices for all students residing at Queens College Summit Apartments. The intent is to approach the Director of Student Affairs with this petition to demand permanent and immediate change so that when most of us return in the Fall we can be satisfied with not only the rent price but also the living conditions that we are provided.