Are you working with a buyer who plans to use a property for rentals? The buyer should be aware of state and local registration requirements that apply. Here is a comparison of three state registries.
Warwick and Providence have a separate requirement for landlords who are non-residents of Warwick or Providence.
Also, a buyer of rental property should check with the town or city in which the property is located. Some towns and cities have adopted their own local registration requirements for long-term and/or short-term rentals. If a buyer plans to use a property for short-term rentals, the buyer should check zoning and municipal ordinances to see whether and where these rentals are allowed.
| DOH Rental Registry | DBR Short-Term | Non-Resident Landlord | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who registers? | Owner must register all rental dwelling units with RI Department of Health. Pre-1978 rentals must register lead certificates or show that an exemption applies. Read law | Owner must register units to be rented for less than 30 consecutive days to same tenant on a hosting platform with the RI Department of Business Regulation. Read law | Owner who is a non-resident of Rhode Island must file with RI Secretary of State and town/city where rental property is located. Read law |
| How to register? | www.rentalregistry.ri.gov | Short-Term Rentals | Dept. of Business Regulation | |
| How often? | Annually by October 1st | Every two years |
Once unless info changes |
| Cost? | 0 | $50 |
0 to Secretary of State |
REALTORS® - for more information, please contact the RIAR Legal Department at 401-432-6945 or email [email protected].