Providence, RI AirBnb rule

[David Goldstein]

I live in NY but am in Providence at least 12 nights/month for work. I’m looking to purchase a multi family in Providence, RI.  My plan was to use one the units myself, and AirBnb it the time I’m not there.

Turns out there’s a new rule that says you can only do AirBnb if you’re an owner occupier. My agent says I could switch my primary occupancy to Providence, and my wife can keeps hers as our home in NY so we keep the tax exemption there. She says plenty of investors do this. My accountant doesn’t think it’s possible. 

I’m wondering if anyone has done this, and if so is there anything I need to know?