Short-Term Rental Rules in New Orleans, LA (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits
Short-term rentals are permitted in New Orleans, but hosts must obtain a proper permit and adhere to zoning regulations. Each short-term rental is required to have a prominently displayed permit with specific information on the facade of the property [2][3].
Do you need a permit or license?
All short-term rentals require a permit which must be displayed visibly on the property's front facade and contain the permit number, the contact information for the owner or operator, the permit type, and the bedroom and occupancy limit [2]. Commercial Short Term Rentals are required to submit impact management plans, including a noise abatement plan, a security and operation plan, and a sanitation plan [2]. Only natural persons aged 18 or over can own property used as a non-commercial short-term rental [3].
Taxes
The published rules do not state this; ask the city.
Limits and restrictions
Short-term rental permits are not permitted in the Garden District [2]. Only one party of guests is allowed per short-term rental unit, and the rental of non-bedroom spaces such as kitchens or living rooms is not permitted [2]. Non-commercial operators must reside on the property and be present during guest stays [3]. Only one non-commercial short-term rental permit is allowed per lot, and up to three guest bedrooms may be rented to guests with a maximum of six guests [3].
Penalties
A failure to comply with regulations, such as the requirement for a registered operator to respond to complaints within one hour, can lead to license revocation [3]. The published rules do not provide further specifics on penalties; ask the city.
How to apply
Applications for short-term rental permits can be submitted via the City of New Orleans' online One-Stop Shop where an applicant can choose the relevant application type for short-term rental operator permits [1]. The permit display requirements must be met for compliance [2].
At a glance
| Topic | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Permit Requirement | Necessary for all short-term rentals [2]. |
| Display | Permit must be visible on the property's facade with specific information [2]. |
| Ownership Restrictions | Only individuals 18+ can own non-commercial rentals; business entities cannot [3]. |
| Guest Limits | One rental party per unit, max six guests for non-commercial [2][3]. |
| Garden District Ban | No rentals allowed in the Garden District [2]. |
| Operator Presence | Non-commercial operators must reside on-site during stays [3]. |
| Penalty for Non-compliance | Can include license revocation for non-responsiveness to complaints [3]. |
FAQ
What happens if I do not display my permit?
The published rules do not state this; ask the city.
Can I rent out a non-bedroom space?
Only legally permitted bedrooms may be used for guests [2].
Do I need to live on the property?
Non-commercial operators must reside on the property during guest stays [3].
Running a rental in New Orleans
Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.
Sources
- City of New Orleans | One-Stop Shop Permitting & Licensing (official)
- Print - Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance - City of New Orleans (official)
- Print - Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance - City of New Orleans (official)
- Print - Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance - City of New Orleans (official)
Last checked: October 7, 2026. This page summarizes rules the city, county or state has published. It is not legal advice, and rules change: confirm with the city before you list a property.