Short-Term Rentals in Providence, RI (2026)

3 verified short-term rentals rules for Providence, Rhode Island, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Short-Term Rental Permits

Multi-family and rowhouse units used as short-term rentals in Providence need a one-year temporary use permit under the zoning ordinance.

Providence STR Temporary Use Permit

Some Restrictions

Providence Zoning Ordinance, Article 12, Sec. 1202.K.6.c

Dwelling units used as short-term rentals shall require a temporary use permit, the term of which shall be one year. Short-term rental of portions of dwelling units, where the owner is present and living in the dwelling unit during the entire term of the rental, are not subject to this provision.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Host Presence Rule

Renting part of your home short-term skips the permit if you live there the whole time; renting the whole unit always needs one.

Providence Short-Term Rental Host-Presence Rule

Some Restrictions

Providence Zoning Ordinance § 1202(K)(6)(c)

Dwelling units used as short-term rentals shall require a temporary use permit, the term of which shall be one year. Short-term rental of portions of dwelling units, where the owner is present and living in the dwelling unit during the entire term of the rental, are not subject to this provision.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Primary-Residence-Only Rule

In most residential zones, a short-term rental unit in a multi-family or rowhouse dwelling must be the owner's occupied residence, per the zoning ordinance.

Providence Requires Owner-Occupied Short-Term Rentals

Significant Restrictions

Providence Zoning Ordinance, Article 12, Sec. 1202.K.6.a

A dwelling unit in a multi-family dwelling or rowhouse dwelling may be used as a short-term rental, subject to the following standards: a. Properties used as short-term rentals in the R-1A, R-1, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts must be owner-occupied. b. The owner must supply all of the following within the dwelling unit: i. Visible printed mate...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗