PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island officials are considering a measure that would cap the number of college students who can rent an apartment.
The proposal submitted Monday by Providence Councilman Seth Yurdin would prohibit more than four undergraduate students from living in the same apartment or single-family home. Providence’s current ordinance prohibits more than three college students from living in homes in certain neighborhoods.
Yurdin says landlords have undercut affordable housing by overcrowding student housing. He says the ordinance is addresses “properties that are too dense.”
The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union sued the city in 2016 alleging the original ordinance was discriminatory. The group is currently appealing a Superior Court decision in favor of the city.
Yurdin says the ordinance isn’t discriminatory.
