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Is Airbnb legal in Providence, Rhode Island?

Legal with state registration and a city permit. Every Rhode Island STR registers with the state Department of Business Regulation for $25 a year. Renting a whole unit in Providence also needs a one-year temporary use permit from the city. In the R-1A, R-1, R-3, and R-4 residential districts the unit must be owner-occupied, but outside those districts investors can rent whole units.

Showing the researched rules for Providence, RI below. Type your Providence address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Legal with state registration and a city permit

Every Rhode Island STR registers with the state Department of Business Regulation for $25 a year. Renting a whole unit in Providence also needs a one-year temporary use permit from the city. In the R-1A, R-1, R-3, and R-4 residential districts the unit must be owner-occupied, but outside those districts investors can rent whole units.

Permit and costs

Permit
DBR Short-Term Rental Registration
Issued by
RI Dept of Business Regulation
Cost
$25 / year
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

City permit
temporary use permit required for whole-unit rentals
Residential districts
R-1A, R-1, R-3, R-4 require owner-occupancy
Listing display
registration number and expiry on every ad
Definition
stays of 30 nights or fewer

Taxes

Combined lodging taxes
14% (7% sales + 5% whole-home + 2% local)

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Register with the state
    Register the unit with the RI Department of Business Regulation for $25 a year.
  2. 2
    Get the city permit
    Whole-unit rentals need a one-year temporary use permit from Inspection and Standards.
  3. 3
    Check your zoning district
    Check whether the address sits in an owner-occupancy-required district.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
HOA and condo rules can ban STRs even where zoning allows them.
2026 zoning update
Providence's 2026 zoning update moved the R-4 district into the owner-occupancy group.

Sources

BNBCalc Providence guide · RI Division of Taxation STR FAQs

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.