9/9/25
Not Recommended – Ongoing Safety and Service Issues
I do not recommend Cortland University City as a safe or professionally managed place to live. My experience has been marked by repeated service failures, unresolved maintenance issues, and a concerning lack of accountability from management.
For months, the key fob system on my building was broken. Although the door would lock, residents were unable to gain entry using their issued fobs. One evening after work, I was locked out with my child and contacted the leasing office. The agent confirmed... that her fob—identical to mine—also failed to work, acknowledging that the issue was known and ongoing. I was told to “call a neighbor” to let me in, despite having no contact information for anyone in the building. My son and I waited outside for over 30 minutes until someone exited the building. This is a clear safety and accessibility concern, especially for families and individuals returning home late.
While the maintenance team responds quickly, they consistently apply temporary fixes rather than resolving root issues. My most recent experience was especially unacceptable. I submitted a work order to address chipped paint behind the door—normal wear and tear. Instead of sending someone to complete the repair, I was told to bring my own container to the office to receive paint and do it myself. Two days later, a maintenance worker arrived unannounced and painted not only the requested area but others he deemed necessary. The result was a poorly executed, two-toned wall. I immediately notified the office to document the damage and avoid being charged upon move-out.
This is not the first time Cortland staff have failed to provide satisfactory service. The lack of professionalism, disregard for tenant concerns, and failure to uphold basic standards of property management have led me to terminate my lease early. I am formally documenting this as a breach of contract and failure to provide essential services.
I strongly urge corporate leadership to investigate the operations at this location. Residents deserve better.
Review from Apartments.com
