Providence rent control veto override fails at City Council

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Providence rent control veto override fails after city councilors fell short of the votes needed to overturn Mayor Brett Smiley’s veto of a proposed rent control ordinance.

The vote took place during a rare Friday evening City Council meeting. Council members needed 10 votes, or a two-thirds majority, to override the mayor’s decision and move the proposal into law. The effort ended with nine votes in support and one vote against, while several councilors did not attend the meeting.

The ordinance would have placed a 4% annual cap on rent increases for certain apartments across Providence. Supporters argued the proposal would help renters dealing with rising housing costs and sudden increases in monthly rent payments.

Smiley opposed the measure and argued that rent control policies could worsen housing affordability rather than improve it. The mayor has instead pushed for solutions centered on increasing housing supply and expanding assistance programs.

Supporters of the proposal expressed disappointment following the failed override vote. Council President Rachel Miller said residents continue facing rising housing costs without additional protections in place.