Short-Term Rental Investor's Guide: Bristol, Rhode Island

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bristol, RI?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Bristol, Rhode Island. However, the regulatory landscape is evolving, and investors should be aware of both current requirements and potential future restrictions.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Bristol?

Bristol hosts earn a median $34,164/year with $283 ADR and 53% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $49,168+ per year.

See the full Bristol market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bristol, RI

Starting an STR business in Bristol follows a two-step process based on Rhode Island's regulatory framework:

Step 1: State-Level Registration (Required for All)

All short-term rental properties in Rhode Island that are listed on third-party platforms (such as Airbnb or VRBO) must be registered with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR). This requirement applies to properties rented for 30 days or less at a time.

Step 2: Municipal Compliance (On a Case-by-Case Basis)

According to the Bristol Housing Actions Memo, the town is exploring options for local STR regulation. The memo specifically states the town is considering "requiring a more robust local registration process for short term rentals so that the Town can track their locations and better understand their impacts."

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation Registration:

Cost: $25 annually
Valid for: 1 year
Application required information:
- Principal place of business of the owner (or property manager if out-of-state)
- Phone number of owner and/or property manager
- Email address of owner and/or property manager
- Address of rental property
- Number of rooms for rent
- Whether registrant rents or owns
- Intended rental use (entire space, private room, or shared space)

Rhode Island Department of Health Lead Safe Certification:

Registration required for all rental properties
Deadline currently October 1, 2024 (subject to extension)
Not all properties require Lead Safe Certificate (exemptions available)
Out-of-state owners must list a local manager

Municipal Requirements

Currently, Bristol does not have established local STR permitting processes. The town is in the development phase of creating local regulations.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

State-Level Regulations (Rhode Island)

Definition and Scope:

Short-term rentals are defined as properties rented for 30 days or less
Properties listed on third-party hosting platforms must be registered with DBR
Statutory authority: R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-63.1-14 ("Offering residential units through a hosting platform")

Tax Obligations:

State lodging tax: 5%
State sales tax: 7%
Combined rate: approximately 12%
Additional local taxes may apply

Bristol-Specific Regulations

Current Status: No specific local ordinances for short-term rentals are currently in place. However, the Bristol Housing Actions Memo indicates several future policy considerations:

Planned Actions:

Implementation of local registration process
Tracking STR permits separately from year-round rentals
Potential restrictions or limitations based on registration data analysis
Differential taxation rates to incentivize year-round rentals over short-term rentals

Zoning Considerations: The memo references that multi-family housing is allowed by right in several zoning districts, which may affect future STR regulations in these areas.

Planning Phase: The town is actively evaluating STR impacts on housing availability and neighborhood character as part of comprehensive housing planning.

Contact Information

Primary State Contacts

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation

Real Estate Section Contact:
- Online Inquiry System: Available through DBR website
- Email: DBR.REInquiry@dbr.ri.gov
- Phone: Jorge Bannister at 401-408-1138
- General Phone: (401) 462-9500

Rhode Island Department of Health Rental Registry

Website: www.rentalregistry.ri.gov
Lead Safe Certification inquiries through this portal

Municipal Contacts

Town of Bristol Planning Department

Website: www.bristolri.gov/195/Zoning
For questions about potential local STR regulations

Bristol Housing Authority

Contact through Town Hall for Section 8 and housing-related inquiries

Links to Source Pages

State-Level Resources:

Municipal Resources:

Additional Information:

Important Considerations for Investors

Regulatory Environment: While STRs are currently allowed, Bristol is actively developing local regulations. Investors should monitor town council meetings and planning department updates.
Compliance Timeline: State registration must be completed before listing on platforms. Municipal requirements may be implemented in the near future.
Housing Policy Context: The town's comprehensive plan identifies STRs as a potential tool for maintaining year-round rental housing supply, suggesting future regulations may focus on balancing tourism with residential needs.
Economic Incentives: The town is considering differential taxation to incentivize year-round rentals, which could affect STR profitability in the future.

This regulatory framework presents both opportunities and considerations for STR investors in Bristol, requiring proactive compliance with state requirements while monitoring for developing local ordinances.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Bristol

Bristol is a small coastal town situated on the east shore of the Narragansett Bay in Bristol County, Rhode Island, serving as the county seat. With an approximate population of around 22,000 residents, it carries a quintessentially New England character, defined by leafy streets, well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and a working waterfront that has shaped the community for centuries. The town is best known for hosting America's oldest continuous Fourth of July parade, a tradition dating back to 1785, and it functions as a convenient gateway to both Providence and Newport. Bristol sits roughly 15 miles southeast of Providence and about 60 miles south of Boston, making it an accessible stopover for travelers exploring the southern New England coast.

A standout among Bristol's outdoor spaces is Colt State Park, a roughly 464-acre park that hugs the bay shoreline just north of the town center. Visitors come for its paved biking and walking paths, picnic areas overlooking the water, and panoramic views across the bay toward the Mount Hope Bridge. It is only a few minutes' drive from downtown Bristol, and admission is free, which makes it especially appealing for families and casual day-trippers looking for open green space near the water.

Within Bristol itself, Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum is one of the most visited destinations in town. The 45-room summer estate, set on about 33 acres of lawn, woodland, and formal gardens along the bay, offers guided tours of the family home and a long season of horticultural displays. It sits only a short drive from the town's central harbor district, pairing easily with a stroll through the historic downtown.

The waterfront itself is anchored by the Herreshoff Marine Museum, which chronicles the Bristol boatyard that produced some of the most celebrated yachts in American sailing history, including multiple America's Cup defenders. The museum's collection of gleaming wooden vessels, models, and memorabilia draws sailing enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Together with the adjacent Bristol Harbor, the museum forms the cultural heart of the town's maritime identity and is within walking distance of the main street.

A short drive north across the Mount Hope Bridge brings visitors to Newport, with its famed cliff walks, Gilded Age mansions, and lively harbor scene, while Providence's revitalized downtown and Federal Hill neighborhood are equally reachable in well under half an hour. This combination of small-town New England character, accessible waterfront recreation, deep colonial and maritime history, and proximity to two of southern New England's most popular tourist destinations makes Bristol a quietly compelling base for short-term rentals, appealing to travelers who want a quieter, more residential setting without sacrificing access to the region's marquee attractions.

Bristol, Rhode Island

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STR Regulations for Bristol, Rhode Island