Providence, RI – Providence City Council members are proposing a new ordinance that would make it illegal for more than 3 college students to live together in any type of unit in nearly all residential districts.  The ordinance defines a "college student" as anyone enrolled in any college at any level, and will therefore negatively impact undergraduate and graduate students alike enrolled at Brown University, Johnson & Wales, RISD, Providence College, RWU/URI (satellite campuses), and RIC.

If this ordinance passes, it will displace college students living in groups larger than three. This in turn will create an artificial demand for more rental units and put further strain upon an already overheated rental market. Rent will increase, not only for students, but for the entire rental community. 

This ordinance not only violates students’ ability to choose their own housing, but will also drastically drive up rent prices and make housing less affordable for students and nonstudents alike.  

Please take a moment to sign the petition and join us in person at the meeting on October 19th at 5pm located on the 3rd Floor of City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903

Here is the link to the ordinance: http://providenceri.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=13782

Here is the Zoom link to the meeting if you cannot make it in person: https://providenceri-gov.zoom.us/j/87119454695