I am writing to address pressing student housing issues in Provo, primarily resulting from Brigham Young University’s (BYU) housing policies.

Currently, BYU requires that single, first-year undergraduate students reside in one of three options: on-campus housing, off-campus contracted housing, or with family members. Notably, off-campus contracted housing is only available within an approximate 1.3-mile radius of the campus which includes various properties such as commercial zones, non-contracted apartments, and privately-owned homes. Furthermore, there is no stipulation that off-campus contracted housing must exclusively serve BYU students, allowing UVU students and non students to inhabit these properties. This artificially inflates demand for housing units among BYU students, causing exorbitant rental prices and diminishing living standards.

Many students living in off-campus contracted housing endure substandard living conditions, sharing cramped spaces with 6-8 individuals, inadequate ventilation, a scarcity of communal spaces, and kitchens scarcely larger than a walk-in closet, all for $400+ a month.

While BYU modified its policy in August 2022, shifting from requiring compliance for all four undergraduate years to only first-year students, it’s clear there’s more that needs to be done. BYU must either assume full control over all housing contracts, mirroring the standards upheld in their on-campus Helaman and Heritage housing, or adopt an open-market approach that allows market dynamics to naturally regulate rental rates and uphold living quality. The present hybrid structure manufactures artificial demand through BYU’s policies, not genuine market conditions. Another solution could be restricting BYU contracted off-campus housing to current BYU students, thereby reducing demand, lowering rental costs, and improving living conditions.

Eliza Diener, Provo

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