April 2025 New Orleans Short-Term Rental Lottery
The City of New Orleans will hold its next Non-Commercial Short-Term Rental (NSTR) permit lottery on April 24, 2025, following an application window from April 6–12, 2025. This process, part of the city’s quarterly permit distribution system, determines eligibility for residents seeking to legally operate short-term rentals in residentially zoned areas.
Key Requirements for Applicants
To participate in the April 2025 lottery, applicants needed to:
- Submit a Complete Application: Including the $50 application fee via the One Stop App.
- Attend Mandatory Training: One of the sessions held on April 2, 3, or 4, 2025, at 12:00 PM via Microsoft Teams.
- Obtain an Operator Permit: Either already issued or with a complete application and associated fee.
- Ensure Property Compliance: No open violations or issued permits; any existing issues need resolution or written approval from the Chief Building Official.
- Verify Zoning and Addressing: Properties have to be correctly zoned and properly addressed (e.g., single-family homes with one address).
- Limit Ownership: Applicants could not own more than one NSTR property or hold a Commercial Short-Term Rental (CSTR) license.
For a comprehensive checklist, refer to the city’s NSTR Master Checklist.
Understanding the Lottery Process
The lottery operates on a per-square basis:
- Multiple Applicants per Square: If more than one complete application is received for a square, the lottery will determine the permit recipient.
- Single Applicant or Existing B&B: If only one application is received or a bed and breakfast already existed on the square, no lottery will be held.
The lottery will be live-streamed to ensure transparency, and selected applicants have five calendar days to pay the permit fees upon notification.
Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities
If you miss the April 2025 lottery, the city conducts these lotteries quarterly. Stay informed about upcoming application periods and requirements by regularly checking the Short Term Rental Administration Announcements.
Need Assistance?
Navigating the NSTR application process can be complex. If you’re considering applying in the future or need help ensuring your property meets all requirements, feel free to schedule a consultation.