Policy & Advocacy
Legislative Reform
The NCLA is the co-living industry's voice in government. We monitor, engage, and lead policy reform efforts that remove barriers to co-living and protect operators and residents nationwide.
Our Advocacy Mission
Shaping the Regulatory Landscape
Co-living exists at the intersection of housing law, zoning code, landlord-tenant statutes, and building regulation — a complex legal environment that varies dramatically by state and municipality. The NCLA tracks this landscape and advocates for laws that allow co-living to thrive responsibly.
Our legislative work is member-funded and member-directed. When you join the NCLA, you gain a seat in the policy conversation that is actively reshaping how cities and states treat co-living arrangements.
50
States Monitored
3
Govt. Levels
6
Priority Issues
2026
Active Since
Policy Principles
What We Stand For
Zoning parity: co-living should be recognized as a legitimate residential use in all housing zones
Clear legal definitions for co-living arrangements that protect both operators and residents
Reasonable licensing and permitting frameworks that don't stifle small operators
Tenant rights protections that reflect the shared-living context without eliminating operational flexibility
Affordable housing incentives that recognize co-living as part of the solution to housing scarcity
Active Priorities
Priority Legislative Issues
These are the six regulatory areas where the NCLA is actively engaged in advocacy, education, and reform efforts.
HIGH PRIORITY
Zoning & Land Use Reform
Many jurisdictions restrict co-living through outdated single-family zoning definitions, occupancy limits, and "unrelated occupants" rules. We're pushing for modern zoning codes that explicitly permit co-living in residential and mixed-use zones.
HIGH PRIORITY
Co-Living Legal Definitions
The absence of a legal definition for "co-living" in most states creates regulatory ambiguity that exposes operators to arbitrary enforcement. NCLA is working state-by-state to establish clear, workable statutory definitions.
Active
Licensing & Permitting Frameworks
We advocate for streamlined, proportionate licensing requirements that distinguish between large institutional operators and small-scale co-living hosts — avoiding one-size-fits-all hotel or boarding house regulations.
Active
Tenant Rights in Shared Housing
Standard landlord-tenant law doesn't always map cleanly to co-living. NCLA works with legislators to develop fair, context-appropriate protections for co-living residents without eliminating the flexibility that makes co-living work.
Monitoring
Short-Term Rental Legislation
Co-living is frequently — and incorrectly — swept into short-term rental regulations designed for Airbnb-style use. We actively differentiate co-living in regulatory proceedings and oppose overreaching STR ordinances.
Monitoring
Affordable Housing Policy
Co-living is a natural partner to affordable housing goals. NCLA advocates for inclusion of co-living in affordable housing programs, ADU legislation, and density bonus frameworks at state and local levels.
Our Approach
How NCLA Advocates
Legislative Testimony
NCLA representatives provide expert testimony at city councils, state legislatures, and regulatory hearings — bringing the operator and resident perspective directly to policymakers.
Model Legislation
We draft and promote model ordinances and state statutes that legislators can adopt — making it easier for forward-thinking jurisdictions to enable co-living responsibly.
Coalition Building
We partner with housing nonprofits, tenant advocates, urban planners, and developer associations to build broad coalitions that amplify our policy positions.
Research & Data
NCLA publishes industry data, housing impact studies, and co-living market research that equips policymakers with facts to support evidence-based reform.
Policy Alerts
Members receive timely alerts when legislation affecting co-living advances in their state or city — with clear action steps to engage their representatives.
Government Relations
NCLA maintains active relationships with elected officials, city planners, and housing agency staff at all levels — giving members direct lines to decision-makers.
Take Action
Get Involved in Policy Work
NCLA's advocacy is powered by our members. Here's how you can plug into the policy movement.
Legislative Working Group
Portfolio-level and above members can join our Legislative Working Group — meeting monthly to shape NCLA's policy agenda and draft our advocacy positions.
Action Alerts
All members receive automated alerts when legislation relevant to co-living advances in their state — with email templates to contact your representatives.
Testify & Represent
Experienced operators can volunteer to testify before local bodies on behalf of NCLA. We provide training, talking points, and coordination support.
© 2026 The Co-Living Conference - All Rights Reserved.
National Co-Living Association © 2026. All Rights Reserved.