Louisiana Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Louisiana requires all STR operators to register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue. New Orleans has extensive regulations including a commercial STR permit system, residential caps, and a 90-day annual limit for non-owner-occupied rentals.
Required statewide
STR license
State sales tax + local taxes (total 13-15%+ in Ne
Occupancy tax / TOT
New Orleans has caps by district
Maximum stay
Strictly regulated in New Orleans
HOA restrictions
Louisiana Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Louisiana requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for LA short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Louisiana Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Louisiana can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Required statewide — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Strictly regulated in New Orleans — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Louisiana Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Louisiana vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with LA requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Louisiana property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Louisiana occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Louisiana House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Louisiana under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Louisiana Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Louisiana imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for LA vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | State sales tax + local taxes (total 13-15%+ in New Orleans) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in LA |
Sample Louisiana Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Louisiana-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Louisiana Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Louisiana Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Louisiana vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Louisiana Resources
Use these official resources for Louisiana short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create Your Louisiana Vacation Rental Agreement
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