05/07/2026
To: Sharon Gazaway-Bell, Property Manager, Representing Simmons College of Kentucky at College Court Condominiums
Date: 05/07/2026
Dear Ms. Bell,
Thank you for meeting with the College Court Tenant Council last evening. We are writing to document the commitments made during our meeting and to reaffirm our shared goal of building a respectful, transparent, and collaborative relationship between tenants and property management.
We also want to extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Councilman JP Lynninger for attending and for so powerfully advocating on behalf of the residents of College Court. His presence and words were deeply meaningful to our community, and his encouragement for tenants to continue organizing together to address these issues was both validating and inspiring.
We are equally grateful to Commissioner Elliott, who attended in his capacity as a member of the Anti-Displacement Commission and as President of the TS Elliott Limerick Neighborhood Association. His commitment to ensuring that the residents of this historically Black neighborhood are not displaced — and that they are protected as our community continues to face the pressures of gentrification — gave our tenants tremendous reassurance and resolve.
We were also moved that our meeting began with a prayer, led by the Tenant Council, asking for our conversations to be productive, collaborative, and for the safety and security of all present — now and in the future. That spirit is one we hope will guide all of our interactions going forward.
We would be remiss not to acknowledge that many tenants first learned of Simmons College's acquisition of 44 of the 100 units at College Court through the news — not through any direct communication from the previous or current ownership. Business First and WDRB reported that the units would be converted into student housing, which understandably caused significant concern and anxiety among residents. Tenants have expressed that the manner in which this transition was handled did not reflect the transparency and care they deserved, particularly given the values that both Simmons College of Kentucky publicly uphold.
We appreciate that you clarified during the meeting that Simmons College does not currently plan to convert any units to student housing and that the College is here to help current residents. We have taken note of that commitment and look forward to seeing it reflected in the actions and agreements that follow.
The following is our record of the commitments made by Ms. Bell on behalf of property management during our meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. We ask that you review these and confirm their accuracy in writing.
1. Lease Copies & Security Deposit Information --- Ms. Bell agreed that it would be "appropriate and fair" for tenants to receive a copy of their lease. She committed to sending each tenant a copy of their original lease — including security deposit information and any month-to-month agreement from Euro Tech — so that tenants may be fully informed of their rights and obligations.
2. Electronic Payment Accommodations----Ms. Bell agreed to identify solutions and provide accommodations for any tenant who has been charged excessive fees through electronic payment methods, or who has experienced difficulty paying rent electronically — whether due to lack of access to technology, incompatibility with available payment methods, lack of access to credit or debit cards, or any other barrier. She expressed a commitment to work with tenants on an individual basis to make rent payment accessible and affordable, and has committed to putting this agreement in writing.
3. New Lease Agreement — by May 31, 2026Ms. ---- Bell committed to drafting a new lease for tenants and to sharing that lease with both tenants and the College Court Tenant Council by May 31, 2026. She also committed to not raising rents. The Tenant Council submitted the College Court Fair Lease to Ms. Bell on April 22, 2026, and we expect that proposal to be fully and seriously considered in the drafting of the new lease. A summary of its key provisions is included below for reference.
4. Written Responses to TenantsMs. ---- Bell agreed to provide written responses — to all tenants and to the College Court Tenant Council — addressing the lease, tenant demands, and clarifications on the policies discussed during the meeting, including but not limited to those related to maintenance, rent, fees, and the future of the property.
5. Follow-Up Meeting — First Two Weeks of June 2026----Ms. Bell committed to meeting with the College Court Tenant Council again within the first two weeks of June 2026.
The College Court Fair Lease submitted to management on April 22, 2026 represents the collective vision of residents for a safe, stable, and dignified tenancy. We highlight the following core provisions (i.e. Items A-G) for Ms. Bell's review and response:
A) OWNERSHIP TRANSPARENCY – Tenants must be provided with full ownership and management contact information at the time of lease signing, and must receive written notice at least 30 days before any transfer of ownership — including the new owner's contact information and updated payment instructions. The acquisition of units by Simmons College without direct tenant notification is precisely the kind of situation this provision is designed to prevent.
B) LEASE TERMS & TENANT STABILITY – Tenants shall have the sole option to select a one- or two-year lease term, with the right to renew or convert to month-to-month under the same terms. Rent is fixed during the lease term, and any increase at renewal may not exceed 2% per year with at least 90 days' notice. Tenants currently on informal or month-to-month arrangements deserve the security of a formal written lease immediately.
C) RENT, FEES & PAYMENT FLEXIBILITY – The Fair Lease establishes a 10-day grace period before any late fees may be assessed, caps total late fees at $30, prohibits compounding fees, and requires accommodations for tenants who face barriers to electronic payment. It also provides for flexible due dates for tenants whose income arrives on a schedule tied to benefits such as Social Security or disability.
D) MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS – Landlord is fully responsible for maintaining the premises in compliance with local building codes. Repairs must be initiated within 48 hours of a report (24 hours for emergencies), and no repair is considered complete until the tenant has signed off. If repairs are not made within the required timeframe, tenants have the right to withhold rent or arrange independent repairs and deduct the cost. Tenants may not be charged for appliance replacements or repairs, and all units must receive new carpet, blinds, and paint every three years at no cost to the tenant.
E) JUST CAUSE & LEASE PROTECTIONS – Landlord may only terminate tenancy — including month-to-month tenancy — for documented good cause. Tenants have the right to early termination without penalty if the unit is uninhabitable or if a suitable replacement tenant is identified.
F) RELOCATION PROTECTIONS – If ownership transfer or renovation requires tenants to vacate, tenants must receive at least 180 days' notice, full return of their security deposit, and relocation assistance covering moving expenses and last month's rent. Tenants must also be given the right of first refusal if the property is put up for sale.
G) TENANT ORGANIZING RIGHTS – Tenants have the right to organize without retaliation. Landlord must provide meeting space, may not interfere with organizing efforts, and must acknowledge the College Court Tenant Council as a legitimate representative body. Tenants also reserve the right to collectively withhold rent in response to lease violations, with full protection from retaliation.
We respectfully ask that Ms. Bell provide a written response to each section of the Fair Lease by May 31, 2026, alongside the new lease draft.
TENANT DEMANDS
As a reminder, the following are the formal demands of the College Court Tenant Council, submitted on behalf of all residents:
1. Immediate repair of all long-standing maintenance issues
2. A commitment to no evictions without just cause
3. Fair written leases and stable rent terms for all residents currently on informal agreements (like month-to-month)
4. Regular, scheduled meetings between the Tenant Council and property management
5. In the event that relocation becomes unavoidable, a fair and humane relocation plan that includes:
• At least six (6) months' advance notice
• Three to six (3–6) months of relocation compensation
• Full return of all security deposits, regardless of unit condition
• Coverage of all moving costs, including movers and storage
We remain committed to working in good faith with Simmons College and property management to ensure that College Court is a safe, stable, and dignified home for all of its residents. We look forward to receiving your written confirmation of the above commitments, your written response to the Fair Lease, and to our continued dialogue.
Respectfully,
On Behalf of the College Court Tenant Council
Special thanks to Ms. Kathy and Mr. Jerod for co-chairing the meeting; Ms. Sharon, Ms. Bernadine, and Ms. Kristina, who shared their experiences and asked questions on behalf of tenants throughout the meeting; and to the tenants in attendance who listened, shared their experiences, and/or asked questions. Thank you! It takes all of us working together to win the world we deserve.
Simmons College of Kentucky
