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. 

Once an application has been submitted, it will be reviewed for approval by the Zoning, Building and Fire departments.  If necessary, we may contact you for a property use and/or fire safety inspection. 

Please note that No applications will be approved, or rentals permitted, until this process has been completed; registration fee is paid; and the Certificate of Transient Guest House Facility has been issued to the property owner by the City Clerk. 
 

    

Before You Decide to Rent Your Property: 

 1st: Confirm Your Zoning 

• Property owners in Newport’s Residential Zones are NOT 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, provided that the home owner resides within the rental unit/home for the duration of the rental period.

• 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.
• The requirement for the owner or manager to reside on premise does not apply in the Waterfront or General Business Zone.

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 us at STR@CityofNewport.com

 2nd : Check the Fire Code

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

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.

For specific requirements about your property and frequently asked questions please refer to the Newport Fire Prevention Office at fdguesthouse@cityofnewport.com.  Please specify in the email the address, contact information, the year of construction, and the number of units in the structure.

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

3rd: Register (Twice)

Register with the State of Rhode Island
Any property used for short-term rental must be registered with the State of Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation. Registration is required for each unit rented, and is valid for two calendar years upon issuance or renewal. Please note you will need the state registration number and expiration date for your City of Newport Transient Guest Facility application.

• Click here to Register with the State of Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation

Register with the City of Newport
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. 
• Registration Fees/Requirements:
  • $15 Filing Fee.  This fee will be collected upon receipt of the initial Certificate of Transient Guest Facility application.
  • $500 Fee (Owner-Occupied property).  This fee will be collected only after you receive notification that the submitted application has been approved by the Zoning, Building and Fire Departments.
  • $1,000 Fee per unit (Non-Owner-Occupied property).  This fee will be collected only after you receive notification that the submitted application has been approved by the Zoning, Building and Fire Departments.

Frequently Asked Questions