MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Changes could be coming to housing in Middletown. The Rhode Island House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Tuesday night aimed at giving landlords an incentive to rent to locals instead of vacationers. That incentive comes in the form of a lower tax rate. If passed, the bill would give that to landlords who keep their properties in the local housing market, rather than turning them into short-term rentals. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend who said the purpose is to help with the housing crisis. She said properties that get turned into short-term rentals take away housing from full-time residents. This comes on the heels of Middletown's town council passing an ordinance that gives lower taxes to landlords with fewer than five tenants. Although they only get that if the units are being used as primary homes with leases of at least one year. The bill now heads to the Senate. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less