The Ultimate Guide to Short-Term Rental Regulations in New Orleans

Welcome to New Orleans, where the music is loud, the beignets are powdered, and the short-term rental laws are a little complex.
If you’re planning to rent out your property on Airbnb, Vrbo, or any other vacation rental platform, you need to follow the city's rules or risk getting a ticket faster than a tourist mispronouncing "Tchoupitoulas."
But don’t worry! This guide will break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand so you can keep your rental running legally while still having time to enjoy a Hurricane (the drink, not the weather). 

What Counts as a Short-Term Rental in New Orleans?

A short-term rental (STR) in New Orleans is any residential unit rented for less than 30 consecutive days.
 NOT considered STRs: Hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, or your cousin’s couch (though he might disagree).
 Important Rule: STRs must be permitted otherwise, your rental is as illegal as taking a to-go cup outside the French Quarter.

Getting Your Short-Term Rental Permit (Yes, You Need One!) 

To legally operate a short-term rental in New Orleans, you must apply for a permit. And much like scoring front-row Jazz Fest tickets, timing is everything.


Types of STR Permits
Non-Commercial STR (NSTR):

For residential properties where the operator lives on-site.
Only one NSTR per city block (if multiple applications, there’s a lottery, you will get to know more on that later).

Commercial STR (CSTR):

For properties in commercial zones.
New applications are no longer accepted! (Existing permits can be renewed.)

How to Apply for an NSTR License

Application Period: Quarterly Application.

Lottery Date: January 22, 2025 (yes, it’s like the Powerball for rentals).

Fees:
 Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)
 NSTR Owner Permit: $250
 NSTR Operator Permit: $150
 CSTR Operator Permit: $1,000

Permit renewals: STR licenses expire June 30 of each year, so mark your calendar! 

Short-Term Rental Taxes & Fees (Because Uncle Sam Wants His Cut) 
Like everything in life, short-term rentals in New Orleans come with taxes:

Sales & Occupancy Taxes – If you’re renting out a place, expect to pay local sales tax + an occupancy tax. The rate depends on location and the exact rate for your location is available in the Compliance Guide, all you need to do is sign up for the guide.

State & City Fees – STRs are also subject to city-imposed fees to fund enforcement efforts.

Pro tip: Many platforms (like Airbnb) collect these taxes for you—but always double-check! You don’t want to owe the city money (they will find you).

Guest Limits & Age Restrictions 
 
Max Occupancy: No more than 2 guests per bedroom (sorry, bachelorette party planners).
 
Minimum Age: The responsible renter must be at least 21 years old—so no spring break frat boys throwing couch-diving contests.

Noise Rules & Quiet Hours (Your Neighbors Will Thank You) 

New Orleans is all about good times and great music, but your STR is not Bourbon Street.
 
Quiet Hours: 10 PM – 8 AM. That means no blasting bounce music at 3 AM.
 Noise Monitoring: CSTRs must have noise monitoring devices (NSTRs don’t, but it’s a good idea!).
 
Complaint Response Plan: If a neighbor calls about noise, you must respond within one hour.

Insurance Requirements for Hosts 
 
You might love hosting strangers, but insurance companies don’t.
Required Coverage: STR hosts must carry liability insurance that meets city requirements.
 
Fire Safety: All rentals must have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.

No Parties, No Ragers, No Second Lines in the Living Room 

New Orleans knows how to party, but STRs are not event venues.
 
No weddings, no parades, no DJ nights.
 
If you turn your rental into a pop-up nightclub, expect fines (or worse).

Trash, Parking & Signage (Don’t Get Ticketed!) 
 
Trash Rules:

Guests must dispose of trash properly in lidded bins.
No “Mardi Gras aftermath” allowed—daily cleanup is required!

Parking:

If your rental is in a residential area, guests can only park in designated spots.
No blocking driveways (or parade routes!).

Signage:

Your permit number must be displayed on the property and in all ads.

Emergency Contact & Response Rules (Be Available!) 

STR owners must provide an emergency contact number that’s available 24/7.
You (or your operator) must respond to complaints within one hour.
If something goes wrong (plumbing disaster, noise violation, zombie apocalypse), you must be reachable.

Unique New Orleans STR Rules (Because We’re Special!) 

Quarterly Lotteries: If multiple people apply for an NSTR in the same block, the city holds a lottery to decide the winner.
Restricted Areas: STRs are banned in certain historic districts. Sign up for the Checklist to know if you are in the right zone before applying
Annual Renewals: All STR permits expire on June 30, no matter when you got them.

Final Thoughts: Why Compliance = Less Stress 

Owning a short-term rental in New Orleans shouldn’t feel like a voodoo curse.
 
Following the rules keeps guests happy, neighbors peaceful, and fines at bay.
 
Legal compliance = more bookings (guests trust licensed rentals!).
 
Plus, avoiding a headache with the city means you can spend more time enjoying gumbo and jazz. 


Need more info? Sign up for the Compliance Guide as laws change faster than the weather in the French Quarter.