Summary

‍
In February 2026, Health In Partnership submitted public testimony to the Providence City Council in support of a proposed rent stabilization ordinance. The testimony was delivered by HIP Bridging Program Director Julian Drix, a Providence resident and public health practitioner.

‍
Housing instability is a growing public health crisis across the United States and in cities like Providence. Research consistently shows that unstable housing, eviction, and rising rents are associated with serious health harms, including increased stress, depression, chronic disease, poor birth outcomes, and higher mortality. Conversely, stable and affordable housing supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and stronger communities. HIP’s testimony draws on our national research on housing and health, including work examining the health impacts of corporate landlords and a recent policy brief on the health benefits of rent control. This evidence shows that rent stabilization policies help keep communities stable, reduce displacement, and allow households to meet basic needs such as food and healthcare.

Research presented in the testimony highlights several ways rent stabilization can improve health and wellbeing:

• Housing stability supports better health outcomes. Stable housing reduces financial strain and allows families to spend more on healthcare, food, and other essential needs.
• Eviction and displacement harm physical and mental health. Being forced to move is linked to high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, increased emergency room visits, and negative outcomes for children such as behavioral and academic challenges.‍
• Rent stabilization promotes health equity. Policies that limit rent increases disproportionately benefit communities historically harmed by structural inequities, including low-income households, people of color, families with children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and women.

Policy Recommendations

‍
Rent stabilization can play an important role in improving health outcomes when paired with complementary housing policies. Policymakers should:

• Adopt rent stabilization policies to limit excessive rent increases and allow residents to remain in their homes.
• Protect tenants from displacement through policies such as just-cause eviction protections.
• Address housing market failures by expanding non-market housing options such as social and public housing.

Together, these strategies help ensure that housing policies support healthier individuals, families, and communities.