Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Middletown, RI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Middletown, RI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted only by special-use permit in all residential zoning districts; the property owner must reside on the property at all times during rentals; no more than six short-term renters are allowed at any time and only one building on a lot may operate as an STR. All STRs must register with the Town (Chapter 98) and with the State of Rhode Island and comply with occupancy and parking limits. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are permitted only by special-use permit in all residential zoning districts; the property owner must reside on the property at all times during rentals; no more than six short-term renters are allowed at any time and only one building on a lot may operate as an STR. All STRs must register with the Town (Chapter 98) and with the State of Rhode Island and comply with occupancy and parking limits.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Middletown. 1) Register the unit with the State of Rhode Island STR registry (eLicensing). 2) Register with the Town of Middletown via the Viewpoint e-permitting portal and complete required inspections per Chapter 98. 3) Submit a Special Use permit application to the Middletown Zoning Board of Review (due the Monday before the fourth Tuesday of the month) along with an affidavit attesting to compliance with owner-occupancy and guest limits.

1) Register the unit with the State of Rhode Island STR registry (eLicensing). 2) Register with the Town of Middletown via the Viewpoint e-permitting portal and complete required inspections per Chapter 98. 3) Submit a Special Use permit application to the Middletown Zoning Board of Review (due the Monday before the fourth Tuesday of the month) along with an affidavit attesting to compliance with owner-occupancy and guest limits.

Vrbo is permitted in Middletown, RI under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Middletown are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Middletown. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.