Syracuse: Tenants organize against cockroach landlord

Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse Tenants United is leading a campaign to correct flooding, infestation, collapsed ceilings and other ongoing, unsafe living conditions in apartments owned by Syracuse Quality Living, which rents to majority low-income Syracuse University and Lemoyne College students, many international or people of color.

SQL tenants and supporters marched to the company’s office at 215 Cherry St. on Feb. 6 to deliver an updated demand letter about tenant needs and complaints. We marched at 7 p.m. at night in darkness, through snow and sub-20 degree cold. On seeing us pass by, three SQL tenants were moved to rush out of their front doors and join us as we passed their apartments, chanting. The campaign is tenant-led and prioritizes direct action.

Mike Kelly is an organizer with Syracuse Tenants United.