STROM

06/14/2025

In 2024, Airbnb guests generated $240 million in economic impact for Rhode Island—supporting over 3,000 jobs, contributing $65M+ in tax revenue, and spending an average of $660 at local restaurants, shops, and attractions.

This is exactly why STROM has been advocating for common-sense legislation that protects property rights while strengthening Rhode Island’s economy.

Short-term rentals aren’t the problem—they’re part of the solution. Let’s keep supporting responsible tourism and local business! 💪🏽🏡

- Advertisement -Airbnb pumped $240 million into Rhode Island’s economy in 2024, according to a new report from the company. The popular short-term rental platform states that it supports approximately 3,000 jobs in Rhode Island and generates an estimated $142 million in labor income for the state...

12/12/2024

UPDATE: The Narragansett Town Council is meeting Monday, Dec 16 to discuss rescinding their local STR ordinance in its entirety. This follows the lead of South Kingstown who already suspended their local ordinance. Full copy and link to the proposal is below:
----
SUBJECT:
A MOTION TO INTRODUCE, READ, PASS, AND ACCEPT as a first reading an ordinance in
amendment of Chapter 14, Article XVII of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Narragansett, Rhode Island, entitled, 'Short-Term Rentals'.

SUGGESTED ACTION:
Chapter 1123 was adopted on May 6, 2024 to add Article XVII within Chapter 14 ‘Businesses’ to regulate the town's short-term rental market. While regulation of this market is necessary, this chapter overreaches and negatively impacts the community’s tourism industry. Additionally, it unfairly reduces the number of short-term rentals in a manner that infringes on property owners' rights. The ordinance contains language that appears unnecessary and overly restrictive.

Rather than amending this chapter, it would be more effective to rescind it and hold a series of workshops that include all stakeholders. This collaborative approach would help create an ordinance that is fair and equitable to all parties involved. Furthermore, since the state is currently discussing short-term rental regulations, incorporating some of their insights and ideas could provide valuable guidance for drafting a new, balanced ordinance.

In the legal matter of Narragansett 2100, Inc. et al. v. Town of Narragansett et al. (C.A. No. WC-2024-0372), the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff and granted the plaintiff’s motion for temporary injunction of the town’s recently adopted short term rental ordinance. The decision stated in part “Clearly, the Town of Narragansett did not enact the STR ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Enabling Act’s procedures to amend zoning ordinances.” As a result, this ordinance is not being treated as a zoning ordinance.

12/12/2024

News Flash! South Kingstown has suspended their entire STR ordinance in response to the Superior Court decision enjoining Narragansett from enforcing their ordinance.

05/10/2024

Watch Rep. Lauren Carson of Newport's testimony on House Bill 8182 which was held for further study. Interestingly, Rep Carson sponsored this bill without the approval or support of the State Study Commission on STRs which she chairs. 🤔

The committee received hundreds of emails in opposition of the bill. Great job to everyone that sent a message to the legislature!

Note committee chairman Casey's questions, specifically on registration fees and the need to have any funds collected placed in a restricted account to ensure proper accountability.

Also, Rep Carson stated over and over that the IRS treats STRs as businesses, which is not true. STRs are treated the same as all rental homes.