Imagine this. You and four friends apply to rent a three-bedroom apartment. You know it will be crowded, but it is the only safe and affordable place in your area that has enough space for all of you. You’re the only applicants, and you meet all the income criteria. But the landlord turns you away. What gives?

For many renters, this situation is all too familiar. It’s due in part to laws that limit the number of unrelated people who can live together, otherwise known as residential occupancy limits. These laws sound mundane, but they have a long and sordid history of being used to deny housing opportunities to racial minorities and the less affluent under the guise of public health and safety.

Today some landlords say they support the laws because they help reduce wear and tear on their rental properties. There are also city officials who say they like the laws because they reduce traffic.