Primary-Residence-Only Rule
Providence pairs its STR rules with Rhode Island HB 9275 / A8284, which sets a statewide registration framework while leaving cities room to add owner-occupancy and primary-residence requirements.
Short-Term Rentals in Providence, RI (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for Providence, Rhode Island, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Providence requires short-term rental operators to obtain a Lodging House License from the Department of Inspections and Standards. Owner-occupied STRs are allowed in all residential zones, while non-owner-occupied units face zoning restrictions.
Providence Short-Term Rental Registration
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Rules
STR guests in Providence must comply with the city's noise ordinance. The 55 dBA nighttime and 65 dBA daytime residential limits apply to all properties including short-term rentals.
Providence STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Providence STR operators must collect and remit the Rhode Island state hotel tax (5%), local hotel tax (up to 6%), and the statewide 1% local assessment. The combined rate is approximately 12%.
Providence STR Taxes & Fees
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
STR guests in Providence must follow the city's parking regulations. On-street parking rules, residential permit zones, and overnight restrictions apply to all guests.
Providence STR Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Providence short-term rentals must comply with city occupancy limits tied to bedroom count and the Rhode Island building/fire code, with two guests per bedroom commonly used as a default ceiling.
STR Occupancy Caps in Providence
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Providence short-term rental hosts should carry liability coverage suitable for commercial guest use, since standard homeowner policies often exclude paid lodging activity under Rhode Island insurance norms.
STR Insurance Standards in Providence
Some RestrictionsHost Platform Liability
Rhode Island HB 9275 and A8284 push booking platforms toward listing-level compliance checks, while Providence enforces local STR registration directly against hosts and, where possible, platforms.
Platform Duties Under RI STR Law
Some RestrictionsLooking for Providence County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Providence city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Providence County →