What Hosts Need to Know About New Orleans Airbnb Laws
Last updated: July 2025
New Orleans is a city full of charm, jazz, and an undeniable zest for life. But if you’re an Airbnb host (or hoping to become one), navigating the “Big Easy” might not feel so easy after all. That’s because New Orleans Airbnb laws can be a bit tricky to understand, with regulations designed to balance the city’s thriving tourism industry and the needs of its local communities.
Don’t worry, though! We’re here to break it all down and help you host responsibly while soaking in all the magic that New Orleans has to offer.
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Are Airbnbs illegal in New Orleans?
No, Airbnb’s aren’t illegal in New Orleans. However, they are heavily regulated. Hosts may find the bureaucracy of operating a vacation rental business in NOLA more challenging than in other cities.
However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. We’ll break down all the New Orleans short-term rental rules that you need to be aware of when operating a business in New Orleans.
What are the challenges of running an Airbnb in New Orleans?
Operating an Airbnb in New Orleans comes with its fair share of challenges due to the city’s stringent regulations. One of the biggest hurdles for hosts is that new permits for short-term rentals are currently paused. This means no new properties can be registered at this time.
Only permit renewals for existing properties are being accepted. Therefore, anyone looking to break into the market must wait for these restrictions to be lifted. Additionally, New Orleans enforces strict zoning laws that dictate where short-term rentals are allowed, and not every property is eligible.
What are the New Orleans Airbnb rules?
New Orleans recently introduced updated regulations for short-term rentals. While there can be hoops to jump through for hosts, the goal is to balance the interests of full-time residents, visitors, and short-term rental hosts. Key New Orleans short-term rental regulations are outlined below.
Permit requirements
All short-term rental operators in New Orleans are required to obtain a valid permit. These permits must be renewed annually, and strict guidelines are in place to ensure compliance with regulations. The city has put a freeze on new permits since June 2023, and only permit renewals are currently being accepted.
Primary residence rule
Short-term rentals are now limited to the owner’s primary residence in New Orleans. This means property owners can only rent out spaces where they live and are required to provide proof of residency. Alternatively, investors can hire a property manager to live on-site. Either way, a full-time presence is required. Note that there are some exceptions to this rule for listings in the commercial zone, which we’ll discuss later.
One-per-square-block limit
A cap has been introduced on the number of short-term rental permits available in certain neighborhoods of New Orleans to prevent oversaturation. Currently, only one vacation rental is allowed per square block.
One permit per property owner
Hosts are limited to operating a single vacation rental in New Orleans. Additionally, corporations and LLCs are prohibited from obtaining permits.
Airbnb tax requirements in New Orleans
To operate an Airbnb or any short-term rental in New Orleans, hosts must comply with specific tax regulations. Below is an overview of important things to know about taxes from the Airbnb Help Center:
- New Orleans sales tax: For any reservation of 59 nights or fewer, hosts are required to pay a 5% tax on their listing price. This may include the cleaning fee.
- Hotel occupancy privilege tax: This is a required tax of $0.50 per night the home is rented.
- Occupancy fee: A $12 per night fee is required for reservations of 29 nights or shorter.
- Equalization occupancy tax: Hosts must pay 6.75% of the listing price (including the cleaning fee) for rentals of 29 nights or less.
- State sales tax: The state of Louisiana implements a flat-rate income tax of 3%.
Getting started with your New Orleans Airbnb
Now that we’ve covered some of the most important New Orleans short-term rental laws, let’s take a look at some other important elements to consider.
Insurance requirements
Running an Airbnb in New Orleans requires proper insurance coverage to protect both you and your guests. Hosts are required to secure a $1,000,000 commercial general liability insurance plan.
Commercial vs. residential zones
Understanding the distinction between commercial and residential zones is critical when operating an Airbnb in New Orleans:
- Residential zones: Only owner-occupied properties may qualify for a short-term rental permit, ensuring the area maintains its residential character.
- Commercial zones: Short-term rentals in these zones are highly regulated. These zones tend to be near high tourist areas. Note that some hosts are permitted to operate more than one short-term rental in the commercial zone.
However, it’s important to note that at the time of publication, no new permits are being awarded for residential or commercial zones.
Enforcement and fines
New Orleans enforces strict regulations for short-term rentals, and noncompliance can result in hefty fines. Hosts must adhere to all licensing requirements and zoning rules. Fines for violations can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the infraction.
FAQs about New Orleans Airbnb laws
Why did Airbnb sue New Orleans over short-term rental regulations?
Airbnb sued the city of New Orleans over its short-term rental regulations, claiming that the city’s rules violated its rights. The company specifically opposed restrictions requiring hosts to be permanent residents and limiting which properties could qualify for short-term rental licenses. Airbnb argued that these measures unfairly targeted their business and their hosts.
What are the main restrictions in New Orleans’ short-term rental laws?
Airbnb laws in New Orleans impose strict requirements, including that hosts must be permanent residents and that rentals are limited to one rental per square block. These rules aim to preserve community integrity and mitigate the impact of short-term rentals on local housing availability.
How do these New Orleans Airbnb regulations impact hosts?
New Orleans’ Airbnb laws have large implications for hosts. The pause on new permits prohibits new hosts from entering the market. If and when the pause is lifted, the one-rental-per-square-block rule further limits hosts’ ability to rent out their properties effectively.
Key takeaways
The new New Orleans short-term rental laws introduce significant challenges for both existing and prospective hosts. The temporary pause on new permits limits market entry for newcomers. While these changes aim to address local housing concerns, they also impact a host’s potential to do business in New Orleans.
Are you already a host in New Orleans? Lodgify’s vacation rental software empowers you to manage your business efficiently, grow your direct bookings through your own website, and seamlessly handle bookings on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Whether you’re entering the market or looking to expand your business, why not try Lodgify’s vacation rental software with a 7-day free trial? Our property management software has everything you need to boost your occupancy and maximize your income.
Don’t see the form to download our vacation rental agreement? Click here.