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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington County, RI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated at the town level and require both state registration with the RI Department of Business Regulation and local municipal registration. Common constraints include annual registration deadlines (Dec 31), occupancy limits (typically 2 persons per bedroom), and the requirement to designate a local representative available to respond to issues within 2 hours.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register with the RI Department of Business Regulation via the state eLicensing portal. 2. Submit a local registration application through the specific town's online portal (e.g., OpenGov for South Kingstown/New Shoreham or ViewPoint for Westerly/Narragansett). 3. Pay the required annual fee ($100-$200 depending on the town) and include the assigned registration number in all public rental listings.

Official Resources

Official Washington County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Washington County, RI?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated at the town level and require both state registration with the RI Department of Business Regulation and local municipal registration. Common constraints include annual registration deadlines (Dec 31), occupancy limits (typically 2 persons per bedroom), and the requirement to designate a local representative available to respond to issues within 2 hours.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Washington County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Washington County. 1. Register with the RI Department of Business Regulation via the state eLicensing portal. 2. Submit a local registration application through the specific town's online portal (e.g., OpenGov for South Kingstown/New Shoreham or ViewPoint for Westerly/Narragansett). 3. Pay the required annual fee ($100-$200 depending on the town) and include the assigned registration number in all public rental listings.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Washington County?
1. Register with the RI Department of Business Regulation via the state eLicensing portal. 2. Submit a local registration application through the specific town's online portal (e.g., OpenGov for South Kingstown/New Shoreham or ViewPoint for Westerly/Narragansett). 3. Pay the required annual fee ($100-$200 depending on the town) and include the assigned registration number in all public rental listings.

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