Rhode Island Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Rhode Island imposes combined state taxes of 13% on short-term rentals. Newport, Block Island, and Narragansett are major STR markets. Block Island has strict STR regulations due to limited housing.
State registration required
STR license
7% state sales tax + 5% hotel tax + 1% local (tota
Occupancy tax / TOT
No statewide limit
Maximum stay
Enforced per HOA bylaws
HOA restrictions
Rhode Island Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Rhode Island requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for RI short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Rhode Island Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Rhode Island can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: State registration required — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Rhode Island Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Enforced per HOA bylaws — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Rhode Island Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Rhode Island vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with RI requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Rhode Island property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Rhode Island occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Rhode Island House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Rhode Island under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Rhode Island Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Rhode Island imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for RI vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 7% state sales tax + 5% hotel tax + 1% local (total 13%) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in RI |
Sample Rhode Island Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Rhode Island-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Rhode Island Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Rhode Island Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Rhode Island Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Rhode Island vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Rhode Island Resources
Use these official resources for Rhode Island short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
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