Allows the owner of a residential unit to rent it for tourist or transient use. Prohibits a municipality any means to deny the owner from offering and renting the unit for tourist or transient use.
The enactment of S0851 is likely to have a significant impact on state laws, particularly in the realm of lodging and housing regulations. By asserting state control over the rental of properties intended for tourism, local governments will no longer have the authority to impose restrictions based on zoning or other local ordinances. This preemption means that owners can freely offer their homes or units for short stays without fear of local penalties or prohibitory rules, fundamentally altering the landscape of business operations related to short-term rentals.
Bill S0851 seeks to empower the owners of residential units by allowing them to rent their properties for tourist or transient use without interference from local municipalities. This legislation explicitly prohibits any city, town, or municipality from enacting any regulations or restrictions that would hinder the ability of property owners to offer short-term rentals through various hosting platforms. The intent behind this bill is to promote tourism within the state, recognizing the importance of this sector to the overall economic landscape of Rhode Island.
While proponents argue that S0851 will boost tourism and provide economic benefits to homeowners and the state, opponents might raise concerns about the potential consequences for local communities. Critics could argue that unrestricted short-term rentals may exacerbate issues such as housing shortages for residents, increase costs in local rental markets, and disrupt neighborhood dynamics. The bill does include provisions for property registration and compliance with taxation regulations, which could help alleviate some concerns, but the balance between fostering tourism and maintaining community integrity will likely remain a contentious point.