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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in New Orleans, LA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs in New Orleans require a city-issued STR permit; residential STRs (RSTR) must be located on the same lot as the owner’s primary residence with a valid homestead exemption and must meet safety and insurance attestations. Applications require safety documentation (evacuation plan, smoke/carbon-monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher), platform disclosure, site and floor plans, and a licensed operator for issuance; licensing types and fees vary by size.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete the Residential Short Term Rental Owner’s Permit application and attach required documents (platform list, evacuation plan, site plan, floor plan, proof of homestead exemption, insurance, etc.). 2) Submit the application and attachments in person at the OneStop Shop (7th floor City Hall) or electronically via onestopapp.nola.gov; pay required permit fee. 3) Ensure a licensed operator is designated (permit will not be issued without one) and satisfy attestations; follow any inspections or additional OneStop/Department of Safety & Permits instructions.

Regulatory Updates — New Orleans

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2024

Commercial STR Permits — New Moratorium

New Orleans paused issuance of new Commercial Short-Term Rental (CSTR) permits in residential areas, responding to community complaints about housing availability. The moratorium applies to most residential zones outside the Central Business District and French Quarter Tourism District.

Official source
PassedAugust 2023

French Quarter STR Restrictions — Enhanced Enforcement

The French Quarter has seen near-total elimination of new residential STR permits. The city deployed dedicated STR enforcement officers in the French Quarter following reports of unlicensed operations. Fines for unlicensed operation increased to $500/day.

ProposedAugust 2025

Proposed Reduction in RSTR Permit Cap

New Orleans City Council is considering reducing the cap on Residential Short-Term Rental permits per block from the current limit, citing continued housing displacement concerns. The proposal would not affect existing permit holders immediately.

Official Resources

Official New Orleans STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

New Orleans Short-Term Rental AllianceLocal

Local organization representing New Orleans STR permit holders and management companies. Engages with City Council and monitors proposed regulatory changes.

Louisiana Vacation Rental AssociationStatewide

Statewide group tracking short-term rental regulation across Louisiana and advocating for fair regulatory treatment of property owners.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association actively engaged on New Orleans STR policy, given the city's significance as a major tourism market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in New Orleans, LA?
STRs in New Orleans require a city-issued STR permit; residential STRs (RSTR) must be located on the same lot as the owner’s primary residence with a valid homestead exemption and must meet safety and insurance attestations. Applications require safety documentation (evacuation plan, smoke/carbon-monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher), platform disclosure, site and floor plans, and a licensed operator for issuance; licensing types and fees vary by size.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in New Orleans?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in New Orleans. 1) Complete the Residential Short Term Rental Owner’s Permit application and attach required documents (platform list, evacuation plan, site plan, floor plan, proof of homestead exemption, insurance, etc.). 2) Submit the application and attachments in person at the OneStop Shop (7th floor City Hall) or electronically via onestopapp.nola.gov; pay required permit fee. 3) Ensure a licensed operator is designated (permit will not be issued without one) and satisfy attestations; follow any inspections or additional OneStop/Department of Safety & Permits instructions.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in New Orleans?
1) Complete the Residential Short Term Rental Owner’s Permit application and attach required documents (platform list, evacuation plan, site plan, floor plan, proof of homestead exemption, insurance, etc.). 2) Submit the application and attachments in person at the OneStop Shop (7th floor City Hall) or electronically via onestopapp.nola.gov; pay required permit fee. 3) Ensure a licensed operator is designated (permit will not be issued without one) and satisfy attestations; follow any inspections or additional OneStop/Department of Safety & Permits instructions.
What is the difference between an RSTR and CPSTR permit in New Orleans?
New Orleans issues two main types of short-term rental permits: a Residential Short-Term Rental (RSTR) permit for owner-occupied homes in residential zones, where the owner must live on-site; and a Commercial Short-Term Rental (CPSTR) permit for non-owner-occupied properties, which is now subject to strict caps and a moratorium in most residential areas. There are additional permit types for bed-and-breakfasts and commercial districts.
Can I get an STR permit in the French Quarter?
Short-term rental opportunities in the French Quarter (Vieux Carré) are extremely limited. The French Quarter Tourism District has unique rules, and new residential STR permits in the Quarter are effectively unavailable. Properties in commercially-zoned areas of the French Quarter may qualify for different treatment, but this is highly restricted. Consult with a New Orleans real estate attorney before purchasing property in the Quarter for STR purposes.
How does New Orleans STR regulation relate to the city's housing crisis?
New Orleans has used STR restrictions as a housing policy tool, arguing that conversion of residential units to vacation rentals reduces housing supply and drives up rents. This argument gained particular force post-Hurricane Katrina, when the city lost substantial housing stock. The political environment reflects genuine tension between tourism revenue (an economic lifeline for New Orleans) and preserving residential neighborhoods. STR operators face ongoing political headwinds from housing advocates.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction