Providence City Council President Rachel Miller has lived in the West End for over 20 years. During that time, she says the neighborhood has become virtually unaffordable for most working-class residents.
“I’ve seen rent grow at first very slowly, and then, since 2020, very fast,” Miller said. “Apartments that were, maybe $1,100 are now $2,200. Our incomes have not grown to that level.”
Miller says it’s time for Providence to consider a rent stabilization ordinance that would cap annual rent increases. She suggests a 4% cap as a good starting point for conversation, but says she’s open to adjusting that number.
Miller says the cap is necessary, in part, because some landlords are simply taking advantage of their tenants.
“Providence has been topping these national lists of fastest increase in rent,’ Miller said. “Anecdotally, I hear from folks all over that they have a $600 rent increase overnight, more than 50% sometimes.”
Miller says any rent stabilization proposal would make some exemptions, including for landlords in the process of making property improvements.
Opponents of the rent stabilization proposal say it would result in a significant loss in city revenue and lower property values.
