Rhode Island Statewide Rule

Rhode Island Short-Term Rental Registration Requirements

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Rhode Island (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-63.1-14
Agency: Department of Business Regulation
Registration fee: $25 annual
Fine: $250 to $1,000 tiered
Threshold: Under 30 nights

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Rhode Island General Assembly

Summary

Rhode Island requires statewide registration of short-term rental units rented for under 30 nights with the Department of Business Regulation under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-63.1-14. Hosts must register and display the registration number before listing on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.

Any short-term rental property listed for rent on the website of any third-party hosting platform that conducts business in Rhode Island shall be registered with the department of business regulation. The registration shall provide the information necessary to identify the property pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. For purposes of this section, the term "short-term rental" means a person, firm, or corporation's utilization, for transient lodging accommodations, not to exceed thirty (30) nights at a time.

Source: Rhode Island General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-63.1-14, every short-term rental unit offered for fewer than 30 nights at a time must register with the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) for a $25 annual fee. Registration collects the owner's principal place of business (or an in-state agent if the owner is out of state), phone number, and email address. Hosting platforms may not publish listings that lack a valid registration number, which hosts must display along with the expiration date in advertisements. The state registry operates alongside, not in place of, municipal zoning rules.

Violations & Penalties

Listing a short-term rental without registering carries civil fines of $250 for the first 30 days of noncompliance, $500 for 31 to 60 days, and $1,000 beyond 60 days under § 42-63.1-14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state registration even if my city allows STRs?

Yes. Statewide registration with the Department of Business Regulation is required regardless of municipal status. Cities cannot waive the state registration requirement.

Must hosting platforms verify my registration?

Yes. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo are required to confirm a valid Rhode Island registration number before publishing a listing under the 2024 amendments.

Sources

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