How to Turn Your House Into a Long-Term Rental in New Orleans (2025)

Turning your home into a long-term rental can be a smart way to generate passive income and build wealth, especially in a high-demand market like New Orleans. But before you hand over the keys, there are some key steps to take to protect your investment, stay compliant with local laws, and attract reliable tenants.

Here’s what you need to know in 2025:

1. Understand New Orleans Rental Regulations

New Orleans has specific rules regarding long-term rentals, especially for properties in historic neighborhoods or zoned districts. As of 2025, long-term rentals (defined as leases of 30 days or more) are subject to fewer restrictions than short-term rentals, but you still need to comply with:

• Zoning requirements

• Occupancy limits

• Housing quality standards

• Business license registration with the city (if required for landlord activity)

📝 Pro Tip: Check with the City of New Orleans One Stop App or consult a local real estate attorney to verify you're compliant.

2. Prep Your Property for Tenants

Before listing your house, it should be safe, clean, and fully functional. This includes:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Secure locks and windows

• Adequate plumbing, heating, and electrical systems

• Clean appliances and pest-free conditions

Consider doing a pre-rental inspection and making any necessary repairs or upgrades.

3. Determine Fair Market Rent

Use tools like Zillow, Rentometer, or local MLS data to set a competitive monthly rent. In New Orleans, prices can vary dramatically by neighborhood—from the Garden District to Mid-City to Algiers Point—so do hyper-local research.

Don't forget to factor in:

• Property taxes

• Maintenance costs

• Insurance

• Vacancy risk

4. Get Landlord Insurance

Standard homeowners insurance won’t cut it once you're renting the property. You’ll need landlord or rental property insurance, which typically covers:

• Property damage

• Liability protection

• Loss of rental income (optional)

5. Create a Strong Lease Agreement

Your lease should protect both your rights and your tenant's rights. In Louisiana, leases can be verbal, but written agreements are strongly recommended and should include:

• Lease term and rent amount

• Security deposit policy (Louisiana law limits how long you can hold it after move-out)

• Maintenance responsibilities

• Late payment and eviction terms

6. Screen Tenants Thoroughly

Quality tenants make all the difference. Be sure to:

• Run background and credit checks

• Verify income and employment

• Call previous landlords

Stay compliant with the Fair Housing Act—never discriminate based on race, religion, gender, disability, family status, or national origin.

7. Consider Hiring a Property Manager

Managing your rental is doable, but it can be time-consuming. Property managers typically charge 8–12% of monthly rent, and they handle:

• Marketing

• Tenant screening

• Maintenance calls

• Rent collection

Especially if you’re out of town or busy, this might be worth the investment.

Final Thoughts

Converting your New Orleans home into a long-term rental in 2025 can be a powerful financial move, but it takes planning. Make sure you're legally covered, your property is tenant-ready, and you understand the market dynamics. With the right strategy, your home can become a consistent source of income and long-term equity.

Disclaimer:

This blog is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Rental laws and regulations may change frequently, and they may vary depending on your specific neighborhood, zoning district, or property type in New Orleans. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional, property manager, or attorney familiar with Louisiana landlord-tenant laws before making decisions related to leasing your home.