Rhode Island state law expressly prohibits using ADUs for short-term or transient rentals through hosting platforms. Under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 45-24-37(j), ADUs may not be offered or rented for tourist or transient use (under 30 days) at any time. Long-term rentals (30+ days) of ADUs are permitted. Providence additionally restricts non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in R1, R1A, R2, and R3 zones.
R.I. Gen. Laws Section 45-24-37(j) contains a categorical prohibition: ADUs shall not be offered or rented for tourist or transient use or through a hosting platform at any time, with transient use defined as rentals of less than 30 days. This means Providence ADUs may not be listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar platforms even if the host occupies the principal dwelling. Long-term rentals (30 days or more) of ADUs are permitted under the same state law. Separately, Providence's local short-term rental rules (administered by the Department of Planning and Development) prohibit non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in single- and two-family R1, R1A, R2, and R3 districts; owner-occupied short-term rentals of the principal dwelling are allowed throughout residential zones. Statewide, any short-term rental property listed on a hosting platform must register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (registration fee currently $25) under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 42-63.1. Long-term ADU rentals must comply with the City's rental registration and tenant protection ordinances.
Listing a Providence ADU on Airbnb, Vrbo, or any hosting platform violates R.I. Gen. Laws Section 45-24-37(j) and exposes the owner to municipal zoning enforcement, plus state Department of Business Regulation enforcement. Hosting platforms operating in Rhode Island are required to display registration numbers; listings without proper registration can be removed. Violators face daily fines under the Providence Zoning Ordinance and possible loss of ADU certificate of occupancy.
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