http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/03/critics_call_on_new_orleans_to.html

FROM THE INTERNET: Several years ago, New Orleans passed an ordinance to crack down on short-term rentals which aren’t licensed or approved by the city. Basically, a room at a hotel, B&B, guest house, or timeshare hotel is licensed. Any “condo” or “apartment” rental probably isn’t. “It is illegal to rent a French Quarter property for fewer than 60 days and fewer than 30 days for properties outside of the French Quarter, said Ryan Berni, press secretary for Mayor Mitch Landrieu.”

The idea behind the law is to protect the residential integrity of neighborhoods by having landlords rent to people who live and work in New Orleans, not just trying to make a buck off of tourists.

Also, hotels have liability insurance and pay taxes to the city. The loss of tax revenue when someone chooses a condo is very real.

Many other tourism-heavy cities around the country have similar laws and ordinances.

A list of legal short term rentals is in the link below:
http://www.nola.gov/en/VISITORS/Legal-Short-Term-Rentals/Legal-Short-Term-Rentals/

Homeowners should know local laws when renting

Making a few extra bucks by renting out the guest room to random travelers may be refreshingly easy thanks to websites like Airbnb that list and book the rooms, but homeowners should be aware of local ordinances and tax collection requirements.

“Unregistered, unlicensed individuals or entities that rent out rooms without a license are breaking the law,” said Mavis Early, a spokeswoman for the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association. New Orleans has a city ordinance prohibiting “short-term rentals” that are not hotels or a small bed and breakfast type inn.

It is illegal to rent a French Quarter property for fewer than 60 days and fewer than 30 days for properties outside of the French Quarter, said Ryan Berni, press secretary for Mayor Mitch Landrieu.

Read the entire story by SKIP DESCANT, Advocate staff writer in the link below:
http://theadvocate.com/home/1079433-125/story.html

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http://www.fox8live.com/story/24016980/f  by Scott Satchfield

Nov. 19, 2013: For Carl Orend, what was supposed to be a dream weekend in New Orleans recently took a horrible turn when he arrived at the Mid-City home he rented through a short-term rental website. “The hygiene of the place was very bad. There was trash everywhere,” he said. “The place was very dirty. The back door didn’t lock properly, didn’t even close properly.”

According to city ordinance, it’s illegal to rent a property for fewer than 60 days in the French Quarter and 30 days in the rest of the city. A spokesman said the city investigates when it receives complaints about a property, and sends violation letters when applicable.

Visit the link below for the rest of the story by Scott Satchfield:
http://www.fox8live.com/story/24016980/f

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REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE WITH A SHORT TERM RENTAL

Michael Cloke posted the message below on Facebook and has authorized the message to be posted here.
Below is some real world experience with a short term rental…

“I have witnessed first hand what short-term renters do to the neighborhood. The only person that benefits from such illegal activities is the landlord. And that is only if the illegal occupants don’t destroy anyone’s property.

Next time some genius suggests that hotels, or the hospitality industry should contribute more fees/taxes to police patrols during such events, just remember; your neighbor skirted the law, and quite possibly deprived you and your family adequate protection, because the funds weren’t there.

When my neighbor rented her basement apt for Jazz Fest several years ago, the out-of-state tenants took a crap in my yard, littered my yard and garden with cigarette butts and beer cans, food wrappers, etc. I’m guessing someone, or several someones peed in my bushes, or poured stale beer in them; they were ruined. My insurance would not pay for it. My neighbor’s ins. wouldn’t pay either~~~the tenants were there illegally (ins rarely pays for a policyholder’s illegal activities). These people who come to town for a weekend or week, are generally here to party! It is a FESTIVAL! Whether it’s JF, Boogaloo, Voodoo, Endymion, etc. And it is not their property, nor are we their neighbors.

It will take more than “permit” fees and hotel taxes to handle the liabilities these transients bring to our neighborhoods. Check your homeowners ins. Such activities may not be covered, and you’ll be stuck holding the bag. It’s is not the same as having guests in your home; you are operating a business that could fall under the legal definition of a B & B or a hostel.

If I knew that my neighbors were renting their place out, say 3,4,or 5 times a year, to people who come here from out-of-state to party, I might not be so inclined to move into the neighborhood.“