Council Strengthens Oversight of Off-Campus Student Housing

The Boston City Council enacted an ordinance to bolster oversight of off-campus student housing in response to community concerns. Local post-secondary institutions must now report annually on housing data and maintain updated student directories. A hearing on August 5, 2025, evaluated the ordinance's effectiveness on neighborhood cohesion and housing stability. The council adjusted the data reporting deadline from October 1 to November 1 to facilitate better data collection. Furthermore, the ordinance mandates that the Housing and Community Development Committee hold an annual hearing following the release of the Mayor's Office of Housing Student Housing Trends Report.

This report provides insights into student housing locations and enrollment patterns, influencing city planning and housing policy. The updates aim to enhance public safety and quality of life in areas with high student populations. By aligning institutional practices with city goals, officials hope to address the impacts of concentrated student populations on local communities.