Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Providence County, RI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Providence County, RI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally restricted to owner-occupied dwellings in residential zones (R-1 through R-3); non-owner-occupied STRs are prohibited in these zones. All entire-unit rentals require a municipal Temporary Use Permit and must comply with safety standards, including posting exit diagrams and providing fire extinguishers. Additionally, all properties listed on hosting platforms must register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. 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 (STRs) are generally restricted to owner-occupied dwellings in residential zones (R-1 through R-3); non-owner-occupied STRs are prohibited in these zones. All entire-unit rentals require a municipal Temporary Use Permit and must comply with safety standards, including posting exit diagrams and providing fire extinguishers. Additionally, all properties listed on hosting platforms must register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Providence County. 1. Obtain a Temporary Use Permit from the City of Providence Department of Inspection & Standards (required for entire dwelling units; must be renewed annually). 2. Register the property with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation via the elicensing.ri.gov portal (required for all properties on hosting platforms). 3. Ensure the unit meets safety requirements, including the installation of fire extinguishers and exit diagrams.

1. Obtain a Temporary Use Permit from the City of Providence Department of Inspection & Standards (required for entire dwelling units; must be renewed annually). 2. Register the property with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation via the elicensing.ri.gov portal (required for all properties on hosting platforms). 3. Ensure the unit meets safety requirements, including the installation of fire extinguishers and exit diagrams.

Vrbo is permitted in Providence County, 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 Providence County 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 Providence County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.