Narragansett Landlord Group Issues Report in Opposition to Limits on Student Rentals

Narragansett Landlord Group Issues Report in Opposition to Limits on Student Rentals

A coalition of Narragansett landlords and property managers have launched a campaign in opposition to the Narragansett Town Councils effort to pass an ordinance to limit “student” rentals to just three unrelated individuals.

The Town Council’s effort was sparked after University of Rhode Island officials announced that as part of the school's return to campus, in-state students would be barred from living on campus. 

In late June, the Narragansett Town Council voted unanimously 5-0 to have the planning board review the issue and potentially amended the town's zoning ordinance.

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The landlords have established Narragansett 2100, a non-profit 501 C 4 organization.

The group claims that “down the line” incidents involving students from the University of Rhode Island has dramatically decreased.

According to a report they have released:

1. Since the 2014-2015 academic year through the 2019-2020 academic year, nuisance complaints are down 49.2%, orange stickers issued are down 9.3%, arrests are down 51%. Also, due to the increased student use of Uber and Lyft, student DUIs are down from 9 in 2016-17, 10 in 2017-18 to just 6 in 2019-20. These represent a significant increase in the quality of life in Narragansett. (all statistics based on Narragansett police department reports).

2.  During the 2019-2020 URI academic year, only 1.8% of the 2,174 rental homes (39 homes) received an orange sticker. Neighborhood associations play on past problems and residents' fears.

3. Over the past several years, the value of all homes in a neighborhood with student rentals has increased significantly.

4. Rental homes pay an average of $3,500 a year in taxes generating $8 million in property taxes to the town as well as $250,000 in rental registration income. Families with school-age children cost the town about $16,000 per year per student to educate them. This will [have a] negative impact on the low tax base in Narragansett.

5. Landlords are a significant economic force utilizing local businesses including contractors, plumbers, electricians, painters, landscapers, etc. Winter renters provide a way for many businesses to survive during the non-tourist summer season. Summer renters provide millions of dollars of income to local businesses and the town.

"Renters add to the diverse demographic make-up of the town and help it flourish. Instead of demonizing renters, residents should embrace them and work together to strengthen the town, take advantage of the diversity they represent, and tap the tremendous resources which they provide to create an even greater Narragansett," says the report.