Short Term Rental Regulations

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Navigating Newport's Short-Term Rental Guidelines

We recognize that short-terrm rentals represent both an opportunity and a challenge for Newport residents. Understanding the rules governing those rentals is vital to ensuring that Newport remains a vibrant, affordable, and year-round community.

Please note that any property engaging in short term rentals (with a rental duration of no more than 30 days) must register as a Transient Guest Facility. 

    

Before You Decide to Rent Your Property: 

 Confirm Your Zoning 

• Under an ordinance change passed by the City Council on March 23, 2022, property owners in Newport’s Residential Zones are no longer permitted to rent their properties for less than 30 days, unless the home serves as a primary residence.
• Owner-occupied properties may continue to rent up to 2 rooms to no more than four people by right.
• For properties in the Limited Business Zone, short-term rentals are also prohibited, unless the owner of the property is granted a Special Use Permit by the Zoning Board of Review.To downloand an application, please visit the Zoning & Inspections Department web page.
• Short-term rentals, or transient guest facilities, remain permissible in the City’s General Business and Waterfront Business zones.

Don't Forget About Parking

In order to be eligible for short-term rentals, properties may need to meet an off street parking requirement of one space per bedroom. For more information about specific requirements, please contact our Short-Term Rental Compliance Officer.

 Check the Fire Code

If your property is rented to more than 5 individuals on a short-term basis, then you may be required to install fire protection systems before your Transient Guest House facility application is approved. 

Under the Rhode Island State Fire Code, any transient dwelling unit hosting between 6 and 16 guests is classified as a Lodging and Rooming establishment and carry different fire protection requirements, with a fire alarm system and sprinklers being required, among other protection features.

Please note that all Transient Guest House applications must be reviewed by the Fire Marshal's Office to ensure that the subject property meets fire safety standards prior to being issued. 

Learn More

• Click here to Learn More about how the City is enforcing the State Fire Code
• Click Here for our FAQs about Fire Code Requirements

Register with us

Any property used for short-term rentals must be registered with the City Clerk. If your property qualifies as a Transient Guest House under current Zoning rules AND you've received approval from the Fire Marshal's Office, you may apply for an annual Transient Guest House Application. 

• Registration forms are available online here. 
  • ​​Please note there is a $100 Registration fee per application.  

Frequently Asked Questions