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Non-owner-occupied residential rentals banned. Residential STR permits require a homestead exemption at the address — a pure investment property cannot get one. The investor route is a commercial-zone permit ($1,000/yr), and the French Quarter and Garden District are fully off-limits.

Showing the researched rules for New Orleans, LA below. Type your New Orleans address to jump to the verdict.

Not allowed

Non-owner-occupied residential rentals banned

Residential STR permits require a homestead exemption at the address — a pure investment property cannot get one. The investor route is a commercial-zone permit ($1,000/yr), and the French Quarter and Garden District are fully off-limits.

Permit and costs

Permit
RSTR / CSTR Owner Permit + Operator Permit
Issued by
City of New Orleans STR Administration
Cost
RSTR $250–500/yr · CSTR $1,000/yr
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

Residential permits
Homestead exemption required
French Quarter / Garden District
Banned
Density
One STR per block face in residential areas
Commercial STRs
Capped at 25% of units per building

Taxes

Per-night + percentage
$5/night + 5% parish + 6.75% occupancy + $0.50/night

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Confirm homestead + zoning
    Homestead exemption at the address and an eligible district for the permit type.
  2. 2
    Apply via One Stop
    Floor plan, evacuation plan, noise monitoring, neighbor response plan, licensed operator.
  3. 3
    List only after issuance
    Platforms must delist properties without valid permit numbers.

What could change this verdict

Commercial zoning
A commercial-zone property can get a CSTR permit — the investor path.
LLCs now eligible
A 2025 federal ruling struck the ban on entity-held permits; city forms may lag.
Block density cap
Even in an eligible zone, the one-per-block-face rule can block you.

Sources

City of New Orleans STR taxes & fees

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.