What should Kingston hosts know about maximum occupancy is strictly capped?

Maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 people regardless of home size.

What are the key requirements for Kingston hosts?

If the owner lives more than 25 miles from South Kingstown, a local representative living within 25 miles must be designated.

What are the key requirements for Kingston hosts?

Registration must be renewed every two years.

What should Kingston hosts know about the state of rhode island?

The State of Rhode Island applies an additional 5% state hotel tax and 7% sales tax on top of the 1% local tax.

Kingston, RI Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

Summary

The Town of South Kingstown requires all short-term rentals to register with the Town Clerk and the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 15 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

If you rent your property for 30 days or less in Kingston (South Kingstown), you must register with both the town and the state. You are required to have liability insurance, follow occupancy limits, and designate a local contact person if you live more than 25 miles away.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Kingston: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Kingston: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Kingston does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Kingston does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(10)

•Kingston STR warning: The State of Rhode Island applies an additional 5% state hotel tax and 7% sales tax on top of the 1% local tax.
•Kingston requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Certificate of insurance must specifically mention short-term rental use or be a commercial policy.

Application Process(6)

•Kingston STR permit - Step 2: Obtain Insurance Certificate. Secure a liability insurance policy of at least $500,000 that covers short-term rentals. Time: 1-3 days.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Kingston charges a registration fee of $50 (biennial).

Taxes(3)

•Kingston: The State of Rhode Island applies an additional 5% state hotel tax and 7% sales tax on top of the 1% local tax.
•Kingston charges a Local Hotel Tax of 0.01%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the state and local taxes for RI properties.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Kingston: Maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 10 people regardless of home size.
•Kingston limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Kingston limits STRs to a maximum of 10 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total
•Kingston enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Kingston requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Compliance with RI State Fire Code, Safe egress requirements, Functioning HVAC and sanitation.

Penalties(2)

•Kingston: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Kingston enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: Registration revocation. Daily fine: $250 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Kingston

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(5)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(6)

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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Watch Hill (Town of Westerly)

Providence

Westerly

Kingston

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 Kingston?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Kingston?

3Are there rental night limits in Kingston?

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

Related Content

Other Rhode Island Markets

Newport

Watch Hill (Town of Westerly)

Providence

Westerly