Frequently Asked Questions

Short-term rentals, or vacation rentals, are alternative accomodations often used by visitors and tourists. Typically, these are privately owned homes, apartments and/or condominiums that are licensed for lease.

Responsible short-term rentals are effective members of the community that have positive impacts on local businesses and the neighborhoods that they reside in. These short-term rentals are managed by capable property managers to mitigate nuances and operate in compliance with city regulations.

The city has decided that there are three distinct licenses:

• Accessory: The portion of the dwelling licensed as an Accessory Short Term Rental is limited to three (3) bedrooms, and occupancy is limited to six (6) guests. Proof of owner-occupancy will be established by verification of a Homestead Exemption in the name of the applicant. The owner-occupant shall occupy the dwelling and be present during any Short Term Rental occupancy. Accessory Short Term Rentals are prohibited in the French Quarter.
• Temporary: Temporary Short Term Rentals must have an in-town property manager available at all times.Temporary Short Term Rental licenses allow a maximum of 90-rental nights per license year. Occupancy is limited to two (2) guests per bedroom or a total of ten (10) guests, whichever is less. Temporary Short Term Rentals are prohibited in the French Quarter.
• Commercial: Allows for rental of an entire dwelling, occupancy is limited to five (5) bedrooms and ten (10) guests. No limitation on the number of rental nights per license year. Must be in a non-residential zoning district. Commercial Short Term Rentals are prohibited in non-VCE portions of the French Quarter.

Not all short-term rentals have the same affect on the community, which is why short-term rentals are regulated differently depending on where they operate.

Short-term rentals in commercial zones - busy areas of town with hotels, restaurants, and museums - actually protect the housing market and help keep locals in their communities. Commercial short-term rentals also provide a boost to tourism and provide an alternative to visitors during "high seasons" like Mardi Gras when there simply aren't enough hotel rooms.

Click here to report short-term rental violations to the City of New Orleans.