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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Wakefield, RI (which is a village within the town of South Kingstown). However, they are subject to specific regulations and registration requirements that must be followed.

South Kingstown adopted its Short-Term Residential Rental Registry ordinance on April 8, 2024, establishing a formal framework for STR operations within the municipality. Wakefield, as part of South Kingstown, falls under these regulations.

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

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Understand the Legal Framework

   • Short-term rental is defined as the use and enjoyment of a dwelling unit, or any portion thereof, by guests for a period of less than 30 consecutive days, in exchange for money, commodities, services, or other performances
   • Hotels, motels, tourist homes, and bed-and-breakfasts are not considered short-term rentals under this ordinance

2. Complete Required Registration

   • Register with the Building & Zoning Department before renting
   • Submit registration annually by December 31st
   • Registration is valid for one year (January 1 to December 31 of the following year)

3. Pay Required Fees

   • Initial registration fee: $100.00 per short-term rental
   • Late registration fee: $300.00 if filed after December 31st

4. Maintain Compliance

   • Keep registration current and renewed annually
   • Ensure adherence to all operational guidelines
   • Address any violations promptly to avoid fines

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements (South Kingstown):

Registration Documents:

• Completed Short-Term Rental Registration Form
• Property ownership verification
• Contact information for record owner

Registration Details:

• Annual registration required by December 31st
• $100 registration fee per property
• Valid from January 1 to December 31 each year
• Late fee of $300 for missed deadlines

State Requirements (Rhode Island):

State Registration:

• Mandatory registration with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR)
• Required for any STR listed on hosting platforms
• Application available electronically through the DBR system
• Contact: DBR.REInquiry@dbr.ri.gov or (401) 408-1138

Tax Obligations:

• 7% sales tax on all STR income
• 1% local hotel tax on entire home rentals
• Additional 5% state hotel tax on room/portion rentals
• Note: If using a hosting platform (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), they typically handle tax collection

Operational Guidelines:

• No rental periods of 30 consecutive days or more
• Must comply with local zoning regulations
• Property must meet safety and habitability standards
• Owners responsible for guest conduct and property maintenance

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

Municipal Regulations (South Kingstown/Wakefield):

Registration Requirements:

• Record owner must register before leasing/occupying the STR
• Annual renewal deadline: December 31st
• Registration covers both whole and partial dwelling units

Financial Obligations:

• $100 annual registration fee
• $300 late fee for missed deadlines
• Violations subject to fines up to $500

Operational Restrictions:

• Definition limited to stays less than 30 consecutive days
• Excludes traditional hospitality businesses (hotels, B&Bs, etc.)
• Must comply with all local ordinances

Enforcement:

• Building & Zoning Department oversees compliance
• Record owners subject to penalties for violations
• Registration can be suspended for non-compliance

State-Level Regulations (Rhode Island):

Hosting Platform Requirements:

• Third-party platforms must ensure STRs are registered
• Platform liability for unregistered properties
• Mandatory reporting requirements for hosting platforms

Registration Process:

• Electronic application system through DBR
• State database of registered STRs available for public search
• Contact information for assistance provided

Legal Framework:

• Governed by R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-63.1-14
• Additional regulations in 230-RICR-30-20-4
• Definitions and requirements clearly established

County Regulations:

No specific county-level regulations were identified in the provided content. South Kingstown operates under municipal ordinances and state regulations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

South Kingstown Building & Zoning Department:

Physical Address:

• 180 High Street
• Building & Zoning Department
• Wakefield, RI 02879

Phone:

• Main: (401) 789-9331
• Extensions: 1225 or 1224

Email:

• Contact form available at: www.southkingstownri.gov/formcenter/Town-Government-6/Contact-UsBuilding-75

Office Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Online Services:

• Registration portal: southkingstownri.portal.opengov.com/categories/1072/record-types/6443
• Online payment and document submission available

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation:

Contact Information:

• Email: DBR.REInquiry@dbr.ri.gov
• Phone: (401) 408-1138 (Jorge Bannister)
• Real Estate Section contact for STR inquiries

Physical Addresses:

• Main Office: 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
• Building, Design & Fire Professionals: 560 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886

Office Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Links to Source Pages

Municipal Regulations:

1. South Kingstown STR Registration Notice: www.southkingstownri.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=1364&ARC=2811
2. STR Ordinance (Municode): library.municode.com/ri/south_kingstown/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1286773
3. Online Registration Portal: southkingstownri.portal.opengov.com/categories/1072/record-types/6443
4. Building & Zoning Department Contact: www.southkingstownri.gov/formcenter/Town-Government-6/Contact-UsBuilding-75

State Regulations:

1. Rhode Island DBR Short-Term Rentals: dbr.ri.gov/real-estate-and-commercial-licensing/short-term-rentals
2. State Registration Application: elicensing.ri.gov/
3. STR Registration Database: elicensing.ri.gov/Lookup/OnlineReportExecute.aspx?queryIdnt=1298
4. R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-63.1-14: webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE42/42-63.1/42-63.1-14_42-63.1-14.htm
5. State Regulations (230-RICR-30-20-4): rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/Part/230-30-20-4

Additional Resources:

1. Municipal Registration Guide (Patch): patch.com/rhode-island/narragansett/town-south-kingstown-how-register-your-short-term-rental
2. Rhode Island STR Tax Information: www.bilodeaucapalbo.com/blog/the-basics-of-short-term-rentals-in-rhode-island/

Important Notes for STR Investors:

• Registration must be completed before any guest occupancy
• Annual renewal is mandatory - mark calendars for December 31st deadlines
• Both municipal and state registrations are required
• Tax obligations vary based on property type and management method
• Consider consulting with legal or tax professionals for complex situations

This guide reflects current regulations as of 2024-2025. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.