New law takes effect 1/1/26 – short-term rentals and human trafficking prevention training
Human trafficking for commercial sex and/or labor is a serious human rights issue. According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, trafficking can be connected to tourism and hospitality among other businesses and locations. A new law S0549aa.pdf going into effect on 1/1/26 requires operators of hotels or short-term rentals of 30 days or less among other things to complete human trafficking prevention training that is approved and/or offered by the RI Department of Business Regulation and to implement policies for the reporting of suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking hotline. Read more here.
New law takes effect 1/1/26 – Whole-Home Short-Term Rental Tax
Owners of entire homes and condominiums that are rented 30 days or less to the same tenant will be required to collect a 5% whole home tax from the tenants, in addition to the 7% state sales tax and a 2% local hotel tax. Read more here.
New law takes effect 1/1/26 – Local Hotel Tax Increase
The local hotel tax that owners collect for short-term rentals will increase from 1% to 2%. This tax applies to both whole home and partial home/room rentals. Read more here.