Providence, RI Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Registers with
- Department of Inspections and Standards
- Applies to
- Buildings with 6+ units
- Frequency
- Annual registration
- Out-of-state owners
- Must name RI local property manager
- Max fine
- $500 per day
Summary
Providence requires owners of multi-unit dwellings with six or more units to register the property annually with the department of inspections and standards, with out-of-state owners naming a local property manager.
Any owner of a multi-unit dwelling, as defined herein, shall annually register the property with the department of inspections and standards. Registration shall consist of...Property owner's address (which shall not be a P.O. Box), telephone number, and email address...In the event the property owner resides or is located outside of the state of Rhode Island, said property owner shall also provide...an individual or company within the State of Rhode Island, herein referred to as a "local property manager," that will be responsible for its security and maintenance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 13-65, any owner of a multi-unit dwelling (a building with six or more self-contained suites or apartments, or multiple adjacent buildings under one owner) must register the property every year with the department of inspections and standards. Registration lists the owner's address, phone, and email; owners based outside Rhode Island must also name a local property manager with a Rhode Island street address who is responsible for the property's security and maintenance. Owner-occupied multi-unit buildings and licensed hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and similar institutional uses are exempt under § 13-64.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance draws a director's notice of violation; fines run up to $500 per day starting 30 days after notification if the owner or local agent does not come into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Providence rental properties must register?
What happens if an out-of-state owner doesn't name a local property manager?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
Compare Providence to another location·View the Rhode Island rental property rules overview
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Rental Registration in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle rental registration.