I dunt get it
This newly passed measure seems ridiculous to me. While I agree 100% that Brighton and Allston (amongst other areas) suffer greatly from the over population of students, limiting the number of students to four per household is ridiculous. I do not believe that the government should have a say in this. I believe it should be the responsibility of the Landlord to regulate the number of people he/her allows to rent their property.
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!
Here's a scenario to ponder: If you're trying to rent a four-bedroom apartment to a group of four individuals comprised of two single persons and one couple -- there will be an 'extra' room (single, single, couple). Granted, the occupants may choose to use this extra room as an officer/guestroom, however, it's more resourceful and cost-effective to rent this room out to a fifth (or even sixth!) person -- especially for a group of college students who can barely afford bread let alone heat for a 'spare' room.
Also. Capping occupancy means that more housing will go to more students in these already densely populated areas. I do not see how this is going to benefit the everyday Joe. The article cites numerous benefits such as increased availibility for residential housing, rent control, and alleviation of noise complaints/excessive partying. I'm sorry, but if someone's property houses college students, they are going to party. No matter if there is two of them or five of them, friends will migrate and parties will happen. Last time I checked? You don't need to be on the lease to attend a party.
And rent control? If I had a four-bedroom apartment, I would rent that sucker for at least $2800 assuming that it would house six occupants. If you bring that number down to four, there is no way four college students are going to be able to afford it. There's no way a middle class family of four+ would be able to afford it. Professionals? Maybe, but if you're a recent Harvard grad, I doubt you'll be lining up to live in Allston with three of your former grad buddies. Less people = lower rent. Landlords lose out. Students lose out. Granted, this is a great benefit for families, however, I have to believe that there are many options and many more communities that are much more family oriented than Brighton and Allston. Let's face it. Boston is a college city. I just don't think it's right to economically oust those who contribute greatly to this city as a whole.
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!
Here's a scenario to ponder: If you're trying to rent a four-bedroom apartment to a group of four individuals comprised of two single persons and one couple -- there will be an 'extra' room (single, single, couple). Granted, the occupants may choose to use this extra room as an officer/guestroom, however, it's more resourceful and cost-effective to rent this room out to a fifth (or even sixth!) person -- especially for a group of college students who can barely afford bread let alone heat for a 'spare' room.
Also. Capping occupancy means that more housing will go to more students in these already densely populated areas. I do not see how this is going to benefit the everyday Joe. The article cites numerous benefits such as increased availibility for residential housing, rent control, and alleviation of noise complaints/excessive partying. I'm sorry, but if someone's property houses college students, they are going to party. No matter if there is two of them or five of them, friends will migrate and parties will happen. Last time I checked? You don't need to be on the lease to attend a party.
And rent control? If I had a four-bedroom apartment, I would rent that sucker for at least $2800 assuming that it would house six occupants. If you bring that number down to four, there is no way four college students are going to be able to afford it. There's no way a middle class family of four+ would be able to afford it. Professionals? Maybe, but if you're a recent Harvard grad, I doubt you'll be lining up to live in Allston with three of your former grad buddies. Less people = lower rent. Landlords lose out. Students lose out. Granted, this is a great benefit for families, however, I have to believe that there are many options and many more communities that are much more family oriented than Brighton and Allston. Let's face it. Boston is a college city. I just don't think it's right to economically oust those who contribute greatly to this city as a whole.