Short-Term Rental Regulations — Louisiana
Hosts in New Orleans must obtain a permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. The permit fee is $500, renewable Annual. New Orleans restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties only, meaning you must live in the home you are renting out. There is no annual day cap on rentals in New Orleans. An occupancy tax of 10.2% applies to all short-term rental income. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit this tax automatically.
Day Limit Notes
Residential permits require a homestead exemption (owner-occupied). Commercial permits do not.
⚠ Tax Notes
Plus a Neighborhood Housing Improvement Fund (NHIF) fee of $5 per night.
⚠ Prohibited Zones
French Quarter (with very limited exceptions).
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in New Orleans?
Yes. New Orleans requires a permit to operate a short-term rental. The permit fee is $500 and must be renewed Annual. You must obtain this permit before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms.
What is the occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in New Orleans?
Short-term rentals in New Orleans are subject to a 10.2% occupancy tax. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit this tax on behalf of hosts — you do not need to handle it separately. Plus a Neighborhood Housing Improvement Fund (NHIF) fee of $5 per night.
Can I rent out a property I don't live in as an Airbnb in New Orleans?
No. New Orleans restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties. You must live in the home as your primary residence to list it as a short-term rental. Investment properties or second homes cannot be listed as STRs.
How many days per year can I rent my property in New Orleans?
New Orleans does not impose an annual day cap on short-term rentals. You can rent your property for as many days as you choose, subject to other local regulations. Residential permits require a homestead exemption (owner-occupied). Commercial permits do not.
Does Airbnb collect occupancy taxes in New Orleans?
Yes. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit the 10.2% occupancy tax in New Orleans on behalf of hosts. You do not need to separately collect or remit this tax — it is handled at the platform level.
Are there any prohibited zones for short-term rentals in New Orleans?
Yes. New Orleans prohibits short-term rentals in certain areas: French Quarter (with very limited exceptions).. Always verify your property's zoning status with the local planning department before listing.
Do I need to register my short-term rental in New Orleans?
Yes. New Orleans requires short-term rental hosts to register their property with the city. This is separate from any permit requirement and typically involves providing property information and contact details to the local authority.
Official Source
New Orleans City Government
Last verified: 2026-03-23 · Always confirm with your local government before listing.