Major restrictions have been placed on short-term rentals in New Orleans after a unanimous vote by the New Orleans City Council.
Many residents of New Orleans believe short-term rentals such as Airbnb are causing an increase in property taxes and destroying the authenticity of historic neighborhoods.
According to AFAR, the New Orleans City Council voted 7-0 to heavily restrict Airbnb and other rentals throughout the city on Thursday.
Here’s What You Should Know About The Ban:
- Starting on December 1, 2019, short-term rentals of homes where the owners aren’t living there will be banned.
- Only 25 percent of units in new commercially-zoned properties are allowed to be rented for short-term.
- All short-term rentals are banned in the Garden District and most are banned in the French Quarter.
Nola.com reports that “new requirements will put the burden of enforcing these new restrictions on Airbnb, Homeaway, Vrbo, and other rental sites to remove any listings that violate the new rules.”
If you currently have a short-term rental booked in New Orleans after December 1, 2019, you should reach out to the host and inquire if your booking will be affected by the new ban.
If your reservation has to be canceled, you will receive a full refund.
To rent an Airbnb in New Orleans after the ban goes into effect, the host must be present in the house.
Locals who attended the meeting were happy with the vote. Senior public policy direct at Airbnb, Laura Spanjian, sent an email statement saying: “While this vote provides much needed regulatory certainty for home-sharing in New Orleans, the rules unfairly punish responsible short-term rental hosts who are contributing to the local economy.”
Spanjian also said, “we are committed to working closely with the City of New Orleans and the Airbnb community as these new rules are implemented.”
So Where To Stay In New Orleans Going Forward?
There are many new hotels which have opened in the last year throughout New Orleans.
Here are some hotels to try:
