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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Newport County, RI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

All STRs must register with the RI Department of Business Regulation. Locally, requirements vary: Newport requires registration as a Transient Guest Facility with zoning and fire reviews; Middletown requires new STRs to be owner-occupied and obtain a Special Use permit; Portsmouth mandates inspections for building and fire safety before a permit is issued.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register with the RI Department of Business Regulation ($25 fee). 2. Apply for a local municipal permit/registration (e.g., Newport's Munirevs portal or Portsmouth's Viewpoint portal). 3. Complete required local inspections (fire/building) and pay municipal fees ranging from $130 to $1,000 depending on the town and property type.

Official Resources

Official Newport County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Newport County, RI?
All STRs must register with the RI Department of Business Regulation. Locally, requirements vary: Newport requires registration as a Transient Guest Facility with zoning and fire reviews; Middletown requires new STRs to be owner-occupied and obtain a Special Use permit; Portsmouth mandates inspections for building and fire safety before a permit is issued.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Newport County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Newport County. 1. Register with the RI Department of Business Regulation ($25 fee). 2. Apply for a local municipal permit/registration (e.g., Newport's Munirevs portal or Portsmouth's Viewpoint portal). 3. Complete required local inspections (fire/building) and pay municipal fees ranging from $130 to $1,000 depending on the town and property type.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Newport County?
1. Register with the RI Department of Business Regulation ($25 fee). 2. Apply for a local municipal permit/registration (e.g., Newport's Munirevs portal or Portsmouth's Viewpoint portal). 3. Complete required local inspections (fire/building) and pay municipal fees ranging from $130 to $1,000 depending on the town and property type.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction