Providence taxes non-owner-occupied homes at a higher rate: for FY2027, $14.60 per $1,000 on a single-unit home and $14.00 on 2-5 units, versus $8.40 and $7.55 owner-occupied, under Providence Code 21-182(c).
Providence taxes non-owner-occupied homes at a higher rate than owner-occupied ones, and that tax shows up directly in the payment a DSCR ratio has to cover. For the Rhode Island rules that apply statewide, see DSCR loans in Rhode Island.
What property tax rate applies to a Providence rental?
For FY2027, Providence's non-owner-occupied tax rate is $14.60 per $1,000 of assessed value for a single dwelling unit and $14.00 per $1,000 for 2-5 dwelling units, compared with $8.40 and $7.55 owner-occupied, under Providence Code 21-182(c).
| Property | Non-owner-occupied | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|
| Single dwelling unit | $14.60 per $1,000 | $8.40 per $1,000 |
| 2-5 dwelling units | $14.00 per $1,000 | $7.55 per $1,000 |
Exception: Rates are set annually in the budget ordinance. Check the current year before you underwrite.
According to the Providence FY27 Adopted Ordinance Book, as of October 2026.
What lead rules apply to Providence rentals?
Under Rhode Island's lead law, owners of non-exempt rental properties built before 1978 must obtain a Certificate of Lead Conformance, renewed every two years, and the owner-occupied exemption was removed on June 19, 2023.
- This is a state requirement that applies in Providence.
- Rhode Island also requires landlords to register rental properties every year, with a $50 per month per unit fine for failing to register.
Exception: Check RIDOH's program page for exemptions and the current process.
According to the RIDOH Lead Hazard Mitigation Program and the Rhode Island Governor's announcement on the rental registry, as of October 2026.
Does Providence limit who can live in a rental?
In certain residential zones, Providence bars a non-owner-occupied single-family dwelling from being occupied by more than three college students, a rule the Rhode Island Supreme Court upheld in 2020.
- The limit applies in specific zones only.
Exception: Check the property's zone before you plan a student rental.
According to the Providence City Council (May 27, 2020), as of October 2026.
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This page is general education about business-purpose real estate financing and state law as published by official sources on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or lending advice, not an offer to lend and not a rate quote. Laws and lender guidelines change; confirm current rules with the lender, the title company and your own attorney or tax adviser.