New Orleans Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Non-Commercial Short-Term Rental (Type N) - Owner Permit + Operator Permit

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Commercial Short-Term Rental (Type C) - Owner Permit + Operator Permit + Conditional Use approval

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

NSTR permits awarded via lottery system; applicants must complete required training; submit application with floor plan, evacuation plan, noise abatement plan, sanitation plan, attestation, and proof of insurance during application window

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 16.75% of gross rental income.

Collection: Platforms collect and remit all applicable local taxes and city fees; owners responsible when not using a platform; $12 per night occupancy fee remitted with tax submissions

Filing: Monthly; due by the 20th day of each month for the previous month

Rental Limits

New Orleans annual day limit: Varies by zoning district — check your property's zoning designation in the CZO. Each individual stay must be less than 30 consecutive days.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Guest bedroom and occupancy limits set by Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance per zoning district; displayed on owner permit

Zoning & Restrictions

• Subject to Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance blockface and per-square caps; lottery system for permits in capped zones;
• NSTR permits limited to 1 per owner; affordable housing units prohibited

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Operators must maintain at least $1,000,000 commercial general liability per occurrence.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Working fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors; working locks at all ingress/egress; compliance with Minimum Property Maintenance Code and Building Code; noise monitoring device required for commercial STRs

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fine of not less than $1,000 per offense per day; permit revocation with 5-year ban; city may seek injunctive relief, discontinue electrical service, or file property liens; tax penalties of 5% per 30 days plus 1.25% monthly interest

Platform Requirements

• Platforms must obtain STR platform permit
• Verify each listing through city's electronic verification system before facilitating bookings
• Reverify every 30 days
• Submit monthly reports
• Collect and remit all applicable taxes and fees
• Maintain $1M liability insurance

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in New Orleans:

1. Determine your permit type. New Orleans has 2 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Non-Commercial Short-Term Rental (Type N) - Owner Permit + Operator Permit, Commercial Short-Term Rental (Type C) - Owner Permit + Operator Permit + Conditional Use approval).
2. Meet safety requirements. Working fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors; working locks at all ingress/egress; compliance with Minimum Property Maintenance Code and Building Code; noise monitoring device required for commercial STRs.
3. Obtain liability insurance. $1,000,000 commercial general liability per occurrence minimum.
4. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application. Fees vary by type: Non-Commercial Short-Term Rental (Type N) - Owner Permit + Operator Permit $50 + $500 + $150 (application fee + owner permit + operator permit); Commercial Short-Term Rental (Type C) - Owner Permit + Operator Permit + Conditional Use approval $50 + $1,000 + $1,000 (application fee + owner permit + operator permit). See permit types above to determine which applies.
5. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of New Orleans Department of Finance.
6. Collect and remit taxes. 9.75%–16.75% depending on property size — the higher figure applies to 10+ room properties; a typical short-term rental owes about 9.75%.
7. Renew annually. Renewal fees vary by permit type ($50 + $500 + $150 (application fee + owner permit + operator permit) / $50 + $1,000 + $1,000 (application fee + owner permit + operator permit)). See permit types above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in New Orleans?

Yes. New Orleans requires a short-term rental permit to operate an Airbnb or Vrbo, and there are 2 permit types — one requires the property to be your primary residence, and another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use. See the permit types above to find which applies to your property.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in New Orleans?

Permit costs in New Orleans vary by type: Non-Commercial Short-Term Rental $50 + $500 + $150; Commercial Short-Term Rental $50 + $1,000 + $1,000.

Does New Orleans require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

It depends on the permit type. At least one New Orleans permit requires the property to be your primary residence, while another allows non-owner-occupied (investment) use — see the permit types above.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in New Orleans?

New Orleans's annual rental limit depends on the situation: Varies by zoning district — check your property's zoning designation in the CZO. Its short-term-rental rules apply when a stay is less than 30 consecutive days.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in New Orleans?

Short-term rental stays in New Orleans are subject to a combined 9.75%–16.75% (a typical short-term rental owes about 9.75%; the 16.75% figure applies to 10+ room properties) in lodging taxes. This combines 6.75% New Orleans STR Occupancy Tax + 3% Louisiana State Sales Tax (Orleans Parish, 10+ rooms) + 4% Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Tax (Orleans Parish, 10+ rooms) + 3% Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority Tax (Orleans Parish). Hosts are legally responsible; many booking platforms collect and remit them automatically on the host's behalf.

What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in New Orleans?

Penalties run up to $1,000+ per offense per day; permit revocation with 5-year property ban.