RI Local & State STR Permits
Do I need to register my short-term rental? Use our directory to find your town's online application link and state-specific information to operate your property as a short-term rental. Below are towns we currently service in Rhode Island.
We spoke with the Building & Zoning department on 8/27/2024. As of that date there is no process in place for short term rental permitting which means you aren't required to have a permit to run your Airbnb.
We were told that the town was working on a process to roll out permitting for short term rentals but it is not complete yet and they could not provide a timeline on when they believe it will be completed.
For the most up to date information you can reach out to the Building and Zoning Office or call 401-247-1900
For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Barrington, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Bristol, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
We spoke with the town building department on 8/27/2024 and as of that date there was no process in place to apply for a short term building department which means you do not need one to operate an Airbnb.
To get the most up to date information on short term rental permitting you can call (401) 568-4300, ext. 127 or 128
For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Burrillville, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Central Falls, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
We spoke with the Zoning department on 8/27/2024 and as of that date there is no short term rental permitting process in place which means you do not need one to run your Airbnb.
For the most up to date information regarding the short term rental permitting in Coventry Rhode Island you can call the Zoning and Zoning Enforcement: 401-822-9196 or email codeenforcement@coventryri.gov
For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Coventry, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Charlestown, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Cranston, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Cumberland, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in East Greenwich, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
A new ordinance requires property owners who wish to rent their properties for short-term use to apply for a temporary use permit. This ordinance, effective from May 2020, aims to regulate short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, in the city. The permit, which expires annually on January 1, is only issued under specific conditions to ensure public safety and health, and to prevent conflicts with other authorized uses. Violations of this ordinance may result in significant fines. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Exeter, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Foster, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
The Building & Zoning Department oversees various permits, including potentially those related to short-term rentals. As of January 2, 2024, all permit applications in Glocester are handled through the State E-portal. For specific details about short-term rental regulations or to apply for necessary permits, you can contact the Building/Zoning Clerk at Glocester Town Hall or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Hopkinton, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Owners of short-term rentals must register their properties through an online portal, which is accessible on the town's website. Registration is mandatory for properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. This process includes inspections by the fire marshal and building official. The registration cost involves an annual license fee plus a per-bedroom rate, varying based on whether the unit is owner-occupied and the owner's residency status. The fee structure is tiered, with different rates for residents, non-residents, and non-occupying owners, capped at four bedrooms. You can access the online portal for registering short-term rentals in Jamestown, Rhode Island, through the towns official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Johnston, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Lincoln, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Little Compton, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Short-term rentals are regulated and require owners to understand and comply with specific rules. The town has established guidelines and documents to help owners and others understand the regulations and requirements for short-term rentals. This includes information on registration processes with both the town and the state. Inspections by town officials may be required, and there are specific ordinances in place governing these rentals. For more detailed information, including the complete set of rules and registration processes, you can visit the Middletown Short-Term Rentals webpage on the town's official website.
Short-term rental property owners must register annually, adhering to the town's specific ordinances. The registration includes compliance with the "Three Student Ordinance," limiting rental agreements to three unrelated individuals. This ordinance aims to manage the impact of short-term rentals on the local community. Property owners can find complete details, including registration procedures, ordinance summaries, and relevant documents, on the official Narragansett website's Rental Registration page at Narragansett Rental Registration and Codes & Ordinances page at Narragansett Codes & Ordinances.
Short-term rentals are regulated with specific guidelines. Properties in residential zones are not permitted to offer short-term rentals (less than 30 days) unless the property is a primary residence. In such cases, homeowners may rent up to two rooms to a maximum of four people. Short-term rentals remain permissible in General Business and Waterfront Business zones. All properties engaging in short-term rentals must be registered as Transient Guest Facilities. The registration process, zoning maps, and further details on fire code requirements for these rentals can be found on the City of Newport's Short-Term Rental Regulations page.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in New Shoreham (Block Island), it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
There are regulations for short-term rentals that include a registration process. The town's charters and ordinances govern these regulations, ensuring that property owners comply with local rules when offering short-term rental accommodations. These regulations are maintained and accessible through the town's website, where property owners can find detailed information about the registration requirements and related ordinances for short-term rentals. For more specific information and to access the regulations, visit the North Kingstown Municipal Charters & Ordinances page at North Kingstown Municipal Charters & Ordinances.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in North Providence, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in North Smithfield, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Pawtucket, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
If you own residential property and plan to rent it out for less than 31 consecutive days (classified as a "Short-Term Rental"), you are required to register the property with the Portsmouth Town Clerk before any tenant occupies the premises. This registration includes a fee and is mandatory. The property is subject to inspection by the Building Official and Fire Marshal, and a short-term rental permit indicating maximum occupancy is issued upon satisfactory inspection. Maximum occupancy is set at two people per bedroom. Off-street parking requirements are also specified.
For further details on these requirements and to access the registration form, visit the Portsmouth Short-term Rental Information page on the town's official website.
Short-term rentals are regulated differently based on zoning areas. Owner-occupied dwellings in R1, R1A, R2, and R3 zones can be used as short-term rentals, including owner-occupants in multi-family dwellings using spare apartments. In other zones where residences are allowed, dwellings can be used as short-term rentals. Entire dwelling units used as short-term rentals require a temporary use permit, renewed annually. Private bedroom rentals where the owner is residing in the dwelling during the rental do not need a permit. All short-term rentals must comply with basic safety measures.
For more detailed information and zoning specifics, you can visit the City of Providence's Short-Term Rental Regulations page.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Richmond, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Residents who offer short-term lodging rentals like Airbnb are required to have a business license. This regulation, enacted by the Town Council, aims to legitimize and regulate the local short-term rental industry. Short-term rental providers must submit a 'short term rental affidavit' and apply for a town business license. The new rules include limitations on the number of rentable nights per year, maximum stay duration, and occupancy limits. For detailed information and procedures, it's advisable to contact the Smithfield Community Development and Planning Department.
You can access the official website for Smithfield, Rhode Island at Smithfield Official Website.
The Town Council handles the introduction and amendment of ordinances, including those related to short-term rentals. For specific details on these ordinances, including procedures for new ordinances and public hearings, you can visit the South Kingstown municipal website. The website provides access to the full text of the town's ordinances and is a valuable resource for understanding local regulations. For more information, visit the South Kingstown Municipal Code.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Tiverton, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Warwick, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
"For the convenience of both property owners and contractors, the Town of Warren employs an online portal, you may apply for a permits, short term rentals, attach supporting documents, get email alerts, view/search permits and check the status of a application."
You can find the direct link to the online application for a short term rental permit in Warren, RI here.
For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Warren, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Property owners who want to use their property as a Residential Zone Short-term Rental must register each property annually with the town. This registration must operate legally within residential zones for periods of less than 28 consecutive calendar days. The registration process is conducted through an online portal. The town also provides an information package covering applicable ordinances related to short-term rentals, such as littering, noise, parking regulations, and solid waste.
For more details and to access the registration portal, visit the Westerly Short-term Rental Registration page.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in West Greenwich, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in West Warwick, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Specific information regarding short-term rental regulations was not directly available from the town's official website. For detailed and up-to-date information on short-term rental rules in Woonsocket, it's recommended to contact the town's municipal offices directly or visit the official website.
Rhode Island requires statewide registration for short-term rentals, which includes properties rented for 30 nights or less and listed on third-party hosting sites like Airbnb or Vrbo.
The registration process is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, and it's important for property owners to comply with both state and any municipal requirements.
For detailed information and registration procedures, you can visit the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation's Short-Term Rentals page at DBR Short-Term Rentals
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Step 1.) Town / Municipality Registration (Case by Case Basis)
You will first want to check with the municipality where the rental is located to make sure you satisfy any town specific registration requirements first. If you do not pass this step then the subsequent state registration is pointless as you won't be allowed to operate if your town / municipality does not allow you to.
Municipalities may have their own set of rules and registration processes that are unique to them. They also may not have any regulations or permitting processes in place at all, in which case you don't have to do anything (best case scenario for you)
However, that will be on a town by town basis. To find out more information about how your Rhode Island town handles short term rental permitting please see our guide below.
Step 2.) Department of Business Registration (Required For Everyone)
All short-term rental properties in Rhode Island that are listed on third-party platforms (such as Airbnb or VRBO) must be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR). This requirement applies to properties rented for 30 days or less at a time. Registration costs $25 and is valid for 1 year.
You can find the link to register your short term rental with the state of Rhode Island here.
The information you will need to complete your permit application is the following:
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The principle place of business of the owner, or if you are located outside the state you can provide the information for the property manager
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The phone number of the owner of the property and/or the property manager
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The email address of the property owner and/or the property manager
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The address of the rental property
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The number of rooms for rent
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Whether the registrant rents or owns
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The intended rental use (will you rent the entire space, a private room, or a shared space?)
Step 3.) Rhode Island Department of Health Rental Registration (Required For Everyone)
This is a newly added requirement for every rental property in the State of Rhode Island. This initiative that began in 2024 is focused on the Lead Safe Certification of properties. The way it is currently set up is that everyone is required to register their property, however, not everyone is necessarily required to get a Lead Safe Certificate.
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Every property must register, regardless of age or year it was built
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Every property must have an property manager listed
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Out of state owners must list a local manager and not self managed. In-state owners can self manage.
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Properties used solely for temporary housing are exempt as long as they do not offer rentals that exceed 100 days in a row.
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If exempt, the owner must register and choose the exempt options. From the top menu they select "Temporary Housing" and in the box underneath they will describe their exemption as Short Term Rentals only.
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If not exempt, they just register and get an inspection completed to receive their Lead Safe Certificate.
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Owners that use a multi-level strategy such as Short Term Rentals in the summer and the Academic rentals in the fall / winter are NOT exempt.
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Houses built after 1978 must also register but can select the exemption option of Post 1978 Construction as their valid reason to not need a Lead Safe Certificate.
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The Deadline is currently October 1st 2024, however, we are awaiting the update as to how far they are going to extend the deadline based on a lack of time to get all the inspections completed.
You can register your property at the Rhode Island Statewide Rental Registry here.