ROOM) ACT (Expands access to inherently affordable housing by re-legalizing co-living/single-room occupancy (SRO) and shared dwelling models of many types.

The ROOM Act: Expanding Affordable Housing Options in Rhode Island

This bill, called the Restoring Options in Occupancy Models (ROOM) Act, would change Rhode Island's housing laws to allow a style of living arrangement that was once common but has been largely banned in many communities over the decades. Specifically, it would make it legal again across the state for people to live in single-room occupancy (SRO) units and co-living arrangements — meaning multiple unrelated people sharing a home or building where each person rents an individual room rather than an entire apartment.

The core idea behind the bill is that SROs and shared housing are naturally more affordable than traditional apartments, because residents are paying for just a room rather than a full unit. By requiring local zoning laws to permit these arrangements, the bill would prevent cities and towns from banning them outright. Landlords, property owners, and housing developers would have more flexibility to convert existing buildings or create new ones designed for this type of shared living.

The people most directly affected would be lower-income renters, young adults, seniors on fixed incomes, and others who struggle to afford a full apartment on their own. It could also affect property owners who want to offer this type of housing, as well as local municipalities who currently have zoning rules that prohibit these arrangements. Critics of similar measures elsewhere have raised concerns about neighborhood impacts and building standards, which may be why the bill was held for further study by its committee.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing Committee and is being held for further review, meaning it has not yet moved forward toward a vote.