Providence rent control ordinance vetoed by Mayor Brett Smiley

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Brett Smiley has vetoed the Providence City Council’s controversial rent control ordinance, rejecting a measure that would have capped rent increases across parts of the city.

The ordinance, which was approved by the City Council in a 9-6 vote, would have limited annual rent increases to 4% for certain properties. 

City leaders advanced the proposal as a way to address rising housing costs, but the mayor opposed it, citing concerns about its impact on housing supply and long-term affordability.

The veto had been widely expected, as Smiley had previously signaled opposition to rent control efforts and warned the policy could discourage new housing development and place additional pressure on the market. 

The City Council now has 30 days to attempt to override the veto, which would require a two-thirds majority vote. However, the initial vote fell short of that threshold, leaving the future of the ordinance uncertain. 

The proposal is part of a broader debate in Providence over how to address a housing affordability crisis, with supporters pushing for stronger tenant protections and opponents warning of unintended economic consequences.