New Orleans Short-Term Rental Regulations for Investors (2025)
As of 2025, the City of New Orleans has implemented strict short-term rental (STR) regulations that significantly impact how investors and hosts operate in the local market. Whether you're considering Airbnb or Vrbo, here’s what you need to know before investing:
🏠 Non-Commercial Short-Term Rentals (NSTRs)
- One Permit per Block: Only one NSTR is allowed per square block in residential zones, awarded by lottery if multiple applicants apply.
- Individuals Only: Permits can only be issued to natural persons (no LLCs or corporate entities).
- Owner Occupancy: The owner or a designated operator must live on the property full-time.
- One Permit Rule: A single person may only hold one NSTR permit citywide.
- Next Application Window: April 6–12, 2025, with the lottery on April 24, 2025.
🏢 Commercial Short-Term Rentals (CSTRs)
- No New CSTRs: As of June 8, 2023, no new commercial STR permits are issued.
- Existing Renewals: Current permits may be renewed if they meet updated standards, including noise-monitoring systems.
📍 Neighborhood Restrictions
- French Quarter: STRs are generally prohibited to protect residential quality of life.
- Historic Garden District: Permits are extremely limited and difficult to obtain.
⚖️ Legal & Enforcement
- Airbnb Lawsuit: Airbnb filed suit against the city in 2025, arguing that platforms shouldn’t be responsible for verifying permit status.
- Compliance Issues: Unlicensed STRs still outnumber legal ones, worsening the city’s housing affordability challenges.
📋 What You’ll Need to Apply
- Proof of ownership
- Floor plan and emergency evacuation plan
- Noise and sanitation management plans
- Residency documentation for operator or owner
- Attendance at city-mandated training
- Compliance with local zoning ordinances
📌 For complete application details, visit the official City of New Orleans Short-Term Rental Portal.
Before investing, carefully evaluate how these rules impact profitability and legal compliance. Consider consulting a local attorney or property advisor.
