What zoning rules apply to STRs in Warwick?

Owner-occupancy is strictly required in residential zones; investor/non-owner STRs are prohibited.

What should Warwick hosts know about accessory dwelling units (adus) cannot?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as STRs per state and city law.

What are the key requirements for Warwick hosts?

Local representative must reside within 50 miles of the property.

What should Warwick hosts know about total tax rate increased to?

Total tax rate increased to 14% effective January 1, 2026, including a new 5% whole-home tax.

Warwick, RI Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 6, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Warwick are limited to owner-occupied dwelling units in specific residential and village zones and require annual registration with both the city and the state.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 91 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Standard permit fee: $250
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

In Warwick, you can only rent out your primary residence as a short-term rental (31 days or less) if it is located in a permitted residential or village zone. You must register with the city and the state annually, pass a safety inspection, and have a local contact person living within 50 miles.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

•Warwick allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse.
•Warwick does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Warwick limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Warwick: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(11)

•Warwick: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Warwick: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Warwick STR warning: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as STRs per state and city law.

Application Process(7)

•Warwick STR permit - Step 2: Submit Warwick City Application. Apply through Warwick's ViewPoint Cloud portal. Include the owner's affidavit and insurance certificate. Required documents: Owner Affidavit, Floor Plan, Insurance Certificate, State Reg #. Time: 1 week. Cost: 250.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Warwick charges a registration fee of $250 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Rhode Island has a state sales tax of 0.07% that applies to STR rentals.
•Warwick: Total tax rate increased to 14% effective January 1, 2026, including a new 5% whole-home tax.
•Warwick charges a Local Hotel Tax of 0.02%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms generally collect and remit the 7% sales and 2% local hotel tax.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Warwick limits stays to a maximum of 31 nights.
•Warwick: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Warwick occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom + 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Warwick enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Warwick limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2

Safety Requirements(1)

•Warwick requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Annual inspection by Fire Marshal, Exit signs, Egress routes defined.

Penalties(2)

•Warwick enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 per day. Second offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Warwick: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Warwick: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Warwick exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Community residences.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Rhode Island Markets

Newport

Rhode Island

Prohibited

The City of Newport requires all short-term rentals to register annually with the City Clerk and the State of Rhode Island. Non-owner occupied rentals are strictly prohibited in most residential zones (R-10 to R-60) without a special use permit.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Watch Hill (Town of Westerly)

Rhode Island

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Watch Hill are regulated by the Town of Westerly under Chapter 214 of the Municipal Code. All hosts must register with both the State of Rhode Island and the Town, provide proof of liability insurance, and adhere to strict occupancy and parking limits.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Providence

Rhode Island

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Providence are strictly limited to primary residences where the owner lives for at least 183 days per year. Hosts must obtain both a State of Rhode Island registration and a City of Providence registration, with a cap of 90 nights per year for unhosted rentals.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Westerly

Rhode Island

Moderate

The Town of Westerly requires all short-term rental operators to register both with the state of Rhode Island and the local Town Clerk's office. Rentals are limited to 30 days or fewer and must comply with specific occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Warwick

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Rhode Island Markets

Newport

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Warwick

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Warwick?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Warwick?

3Are there occupancy or residency limits in Warwick?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Warwick?

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Watch Hill (Town of Westerly)

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