RI Realtors Hit Panic Button as Providence Moves Forward With Rent Control Plan

RI Realtors Hit Panic Button as Providence Moves Forward With Rent Control Plan

The Rhode Island Association of Realtors (RIAR) has issued an alert to members regarding the proposed rent control ordinance expected to be introduced at the first Providence City Council meeting of the new year.

“On January 8th, the Providence City Council is expected to introduce a rent control ordinance to a room full of advocates who strongly support having the government restrict rent increases,” writes the RIAR.

“Supporters may call it ‘rent stabilization’ but make no mistake; it’s rent control. If you or your clients own or manage rental property in Providence, don’t miss this meeting,” write RIAR.

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The City Council and Mayor Brett Smiley approved a major tax increase in the 2025-26 fiscal year budget. 

Some multi-family homes’ taxes jumped 6% — driving rents even higher.

This was the second time in three years that Smiley and the Council increased taxes.

 

 

The RIAR had a difficult political year in 2025 — the group was politically rolled over at the Rhode Island State House with the passage of the so-called “Taylor Swift tax.”

 

The RIAR, in its alert, raises questions about the proposed rent control ordinance:

- How would enforcement work?

- Who determines the cap?

- Would the cap apply if a landlord makes improvements?

- What penalties could landlords face for increasing rent beyond a government-approved cap?

The battle over rent stabilization is expected to be one of the most politically charged conflicts in the 2026 election year.