Is Burrillville, Rhode Island Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Burrillville, Rhode Island, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Burrillville Planning Department, as the town requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit rentals to owner-occupied properties or specific districts. Contact the Rhode Island Department of Health for lodging establishment permits if renting for less than 30 days, and register with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation for sales tax collection on rental income. Secure appropriate property either by purchasing a suitable home in residential zones or ensuring your existing property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency egress windows. Obtain necessary permits from Burrillville Building Department for any renovations, and ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act if applicable. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities while maintaining professional photography standards for listing appeal. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, setting competitive pricing based on comparable properties in nearby areas like Woonsocket or North Smithfield since Burrillville has limited comparable data. Implement a management system including guest communication protocols, cleaning schedules between stays, key exchange procedures, and maintain liability insurance coverage that specifically includes short-term rental activities, as standard homeowner's policies may not cover commercial lodging operations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Burrillville, Rhode Island, focus on locations near Pulaski State Park, Buck Hill Management Area, and Spring Lake for outdoor recreation appeal, while targeting properties within 30-45 minutes of Providence for business travelers. Seek 3-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and unique features like fireplaces or lake access, as these command premium rates of $150-250 per night compared to basic properties at $80-120. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark occupancy rates around 60-70% annually, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within 10-mile radius to identify gaps in luxury or pet-friendly offerings. Utilize Rhode Island's relatively permissive STR regulations compared to neighboring Connecticut and Massachusetts, leverage tools like Rabbu and PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, and consider properties near wedding venues like Stepping Stone Ranch or corporate retreat locations, as Burrillville's rural charm attracts weekend getaways from Boston and New York metro areas seeking nature-based experiences within 2-3 hours drive time.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Burrillville, Rhode Island, you must first contact the Burrillville Building Department at Town Hall located at 105 Harrisville Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the town may require a special use permit or business license. You'll typically need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of liability insurance (usually $1 million minimum), floor plan of the rental unit, septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and fire safety compliance documentation. The application fee is estimated at $100-300 with potential additional inspection fees of $50-150. You must ensure the property meets all building codes, fire safety requirements, and zoning regulations for the specific district where your property is located. The approval timeline typically ranges from 30-60 days depending on the completeness of your application and any required inspections. Burrillville may also require you to register with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation for lodging tax purposes and obtain a state business registration. Contact the Planning Department at (401) 568-4300 to confirm current requirements, as regulations for short-term rentals are evolving and may have specific occupancy limits, parking requirements, and neighbor notification procedures that must be followed before beginning operations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Burrillville, Rhode Island operate in a legal gray area as the town has not enacted comprehensive STR regulations as of 2023. While not explicitly prohibited, STRs must comply with existing zoning ordinances which generally allow residential rentals in most residential zones, though commercial-scale operations may face restrictions in single-family residential areas. Property owners must obtain proper business licenses and comply with state tax requirements including the 7% state sales tax and 1% local hotel tax. The town has been considering STR regulations similar to other Rhode Island municipalities like Newport and Warwick, which have implemented registration requirements, safety standards, and occupancy limits, but no formal ordinance has been adopted. Recent discussions at town council meetings in 2022-2023 have focused on potential noise ordinances and parking requirements that could affect STR operations, and property owners should verify current zoning compliance and may need special use permits for properties in certain residential districts.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Burrillville, Rhode Island are around Pascoag village center, near Wallum Lake, and close to Buck Hill Management Area. Pascoag offers proximity to local amenities, restaurants, and the historic downtown area which attracts visitors interested in small-town New England charm and antique shopping. The Wallum Lake area is highly attractive for vacation rentals due to its waterfront location, summer recreation activities, fishing, and seasonal tourism from families seeking lakeside getaways. Properties near Buck Hill Management Area and other conservation lands appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, hunters, and nature lovers who visit for camping, trail activities, and seasonal hunting. The Spring Lake area also presents opportunities due to its recreational appeal and proximity to both water activities and wooded areas. These locations benefit from Burrillville's position as an affordable alternative to more expensive Rhode Island coastal areas while still offering natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and easy access to both Providence and Worcester metropolitan areas for business travelers and weekend visitors.

In Burrillville, Rhode Island, Airbnb hosts are subject to Rhode Island's state hotel tax of 5% on gross receipts from short-term rental accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. The state also imposes a 1% tourism assessment fee, bringing the total state-level tax to 6%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the Rhode Island Division of Taxation on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts may need to register and remit taxes themselves if using other platforms or direct bookings. Burrillville does not appear to have a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023, but hosts must still comply with local zoning and business licensing requirements. Exemptions may apply for rentals of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations. Hosts should register with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation to obtain a hotel tax permit and file monthly returns even if Airbnb is collecting and remitting taxes, as backup documentation and compliance verification may be required.

To start an Airbnb in Burrillville, Rhode Island, expect total costs around $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations or improvements average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Rhode Island include business registration ($50), potential local permits ($200-$500), and tax registration which are relatively minimal compared to other states. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and heating average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-$400 monthly), Airbnb platform fees (3% host fee), marketing expenses, and miscellaneous costs totaling approximately $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees if applicable and emergency repair funds, making the comprehensive startup investment range from $385,000 to $425,000 depending on property condition and desired amenity level.

Airbnb properties in Burrillville, Rhode Island typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for whole-home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$80 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Properties near Pulaski State Park and those offering outdoor amenities like fire pits or hiking access command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy rates during peak summer months (June-September), while winter occupancy drops to 35-45%. Successful hosts in the area typically achieve net profit margins of 15-25% by focusing on unique rural experiences, maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, and targeting weekend getaway markets from Boston and Providence. Three-bedroom homes with modern amenities and outdoor spaces have shown the strongest performance, with some properties generating $40,000+ annually when professionally managed and strategically marketed to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking rural retreats within driving distance of major New England cities.

Airbnb investments in Burrillville, Rhode Island typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the rural market dynamics and proximity to recreational areas like Pulaski State Park. Properties in this small town of approximately 16,000 residents benefit from seasonal demand driven by outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to nearby attractions, with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, particularly those near Buck Hill Management Area or offering lake access, though occupancy rates average 45-60% annually due to the seasonal nature of tourism in this primarily residential community. The lower property acquisition costs compared to coastal Rhode Island markets, typically $200,000-350,000 for suitable investment properties, help offset the moderate rental income potential, making Burrillville a viable option for investors seeking steady returns in Rhode Island's emerging short-term rental markets.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties including in Burrillville, Rhode Island. Local real estate agents like those at Mott & Chace Sotheby's International Realty and Residential Properties Ltd. have experience with investment properties in the area. National services include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking. Local property management companies like Ocean State Property Management and Rhode Island Vacation Rentals can assist with operations. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Awning focus on short-term rental acquisitions nationwide. Regional agents at RE/MAX and Coldwell Banker in the Providence area often work with investors seeking vacation rental properties in rural Rhode Island markets like Burrillville. Additional services include STR Helper for compliance guidance and RedAwning for property sourcing and management solutions.