Lafayette Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Lafayette, Louisiana?

Lafayette has some of the strictest short-term rental (STR) regulations in Louisiana. As of October 2023, STRs are prohibited in single-family residential (RS) zones, which make up 75% of the city's neighborhoods1.

In the remaining multi-family residential zones, hosts must get an annual $100 permit to legally operate an STR4. Key requirements include notifying all adjacent neighbors, providing 24/7 contact info, and limiting guest rooms to 4 with 2 guests per room max5.

Failure to register without a permit in restricted zones can trigger fines of $500-$1000 per day of unlawful operation3. Taxes must also be collected and remitted on bookings2.

On local real estate forums like BiggerPockets and Reddit, Lafayette hosts have mixed views on the strictness. Some feel the rules are too burdensome while others find compliance manageable. But many warn that enforcement is ramping up across the city through zoning checks and neighbor reports to crackdown on illegal rentals.

Overall, Lafayette’s STR ordinance aims to balance neighborhood livability with tourism demand. The regulations are seen as the strictest in Louisiana given the outright ban in most residential areas4. Perspectives depend greatly on zoning impacts, but the city strictly enforces rules via fines and permit checks relative to more permissive parishes

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Lafayette

Starting a short-term rental business in Lafayette, Louisiana, involves several steps and adhering to strict regulations. The city has implemented various rules and requirements for short-term rental operators, which include Airbnb and VRBO hosts. Some key points to consider when starting a short-term rental business in Lafayette are:

1. Permit requirement: Starting April 2024, all short-term rentals must obtain a permit to operate. There are 12 requirements for obtaining a permit, including proof of ownership, notification of neighbors, and a $100 fee. Permits must be renewed every year1.

2. Zoning restrictions: Short-term rentals are prohibited in Residential Single-Family (RS) zoning districts, which account for 75% of the city's residential area. However, outside RS zones, short-term rentals must obtain a $100 annual license from Lafayette Consolidated Government by April 1, 2024, to continue operating in the city's other zoning districts4.

3. Neighborhood protection: The city council has implemented a ban on short-term rentals in RS-1 residential neighborhoods to protect the quality of life for residents, addressing concerns about parking, noise, and maintenance of rentals2.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Lafayette

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Lafayette, Louisiana, hosts must adhere to specific licensing requirements. As of April 1, 2024, each STR is mandated to obtain a Short-Term Rental and a Sales and Use Tax license, which remains valid for two years1. The key requirements for obtaining this license include:

• Proof of ownership of the property
• Notification of neighbors
• A $100 annual permit fee
• Displaying the Lafayette City license number in all advertisements
• Providing a floor plan with the number and location of sleeping rooms
• Contact information for the owner and a local contact
• Proof of insurance
• Parish sales tax ID number5

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the loss of the right to operate an STR. It is essential for hosts to ensure full adherence to these regulations to avoid any potential disruptions to their STR operations23.

Required Documents for Lafayette Short Term Rentals

To obtain a short-term rental permit in Lafayette, Louisiana, the following documents are required:

• Proof of ownership: This document proves that you own the property you intend to rent out. You can provide a copy of your property deed or title as proof of ownership.
• Notification of neighbors: You must notify your neighbors that you intend to operate a short-term rental on your property. This notification must be in writing and include your contact information.
• A $100 fee: You must pay a $100 fee to obtain a short-term rental permit in Lafayette.

It is important to note that starting April 2024, all short-term rentals must obtain a permit to operate, and there are 12 requirements for obtaining a permit, including proof of ownership, notification of neighbors, and a $100 fee. Permits must be renewed every year1. Additionally, short-term rentals are prohibited in Residential Single-Family (RS) zoning districts, which account for 75% of the city's residential area. However, outside RS zones, short-term rentals must obtain a $100 annual license from Lafayette Consolidated Government by April 1, 2024, to continue operating in the city's other zoning districts4.

Lafayette Short Term Rental Taxes

In Lafayette, Louisiana, short-term rental operators are required to obtain a Short-term Rental and a Sales and Use Tax license, which are valid for a period of two years starting from April 1, 20241. This new regulation aims to ensure that all rentals are permitted and paying taxes, as some short-term rentals have been found to not remit city sales tax and city lodging tax1. The city has also implemented strict enforcement measures, with failure to timely apply for, obtain, and maintain a valid Short-Term Rental license resulting in the loss of the right to operate a Short-Term Rental as a nonconformity3.

Furthermore, short-term rental operators in Lafayette are responsible for collecting and remitting parish sales tax and city lodging tax on each booking4. These taxes play a crucial role in funding infrastructure, public services, and tourism promotion in the city4. The new regulations, approved after a year of community engagement and analysis, aim to balance neighborhood livability with tourism demand, making them the strictest in Louisiana4.

Louisiana wide Short Term Rental Rules

Louisiana does not have statewide restrictions on short-term rentals, so regulations are determined locally4.

Key Louisiana wide short-term rental rules include:

• Short-term rentals are prohibited in single-family residential (RS) zones, which make up 75% of the city's residential areas4.
• In multi-family residential buildings, short-term rentals are allowed with restrictions like a maximum of 4 rooms and 2 guests per room4.
• Operators must collect and remit parish sales tax and city lodging tax on each booking4.
• Notification of adjacent property owners is required4.

Overall, Louisiana's short-term rental regulations vary by location, and local governments have the authority to enforce these rules4.

Does Lafayette strictly enforce STR rules?

Yes, Lafayette is known for having some of the strictest enforcement of short-term rental rules in Louisiana4. The city has banned short-term rentals outright in most residential areas and requires permitting/inspection of units in commercial zones1.Fines for violations are steep at up to $1,000 per day5. Some hosts operate illegally without permits but enforcement efforts aim to curb unlawful rentals2. Overall, Lafayette takes a strict approach compared to more permissive cities in Louisiana.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Lafayette?

Here are the key steps to start a compliant short-term rental business in Lafayette:

1. Check zoning rules for your property's address
2. Apply for a short-term rental permit with required documents
3. Register to collect city lodging and parish sales taxes
4. Set up listing on Airbnb, VRBO or other platforms
5. Install safety features like smoke detectors
6. Notify adjacent neighbors of rental operation
7. Renew permit annually and display prominently

Who to contact in Lafayette about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To learn about short-term rental rules or verify zoning in Lafayette, contact:Lafayette Planning, Zoning & Codes
Phone: (337) 291-8000
Email: develop@lafayettela.gov

What do Airbnb hosts in Lafayette on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Hosts on Reddit and BiggerPockets have mixed opinions about Lafayette's strict short-term rental regulations:

• "I stopped doing Airbnb in Lafayette because of the headaches with permitting/zoning. It's not worth the risk here."6
• "I still rent my Lafayette condo on Airbnb without a permit. So far no issues but I operate under the radar."7
• "Getting an STR permit in Lafayette is straightforward if your property qualifies based on zoning."8

So some hosts view the regulations as too burdensome while others find compliance manageable for legal rentals. But many warn that enforcement in residential areas is ramping up.

Overall the local rules are seen as stricter than other Louisiana cities but they aim to balance neighborhood impacts with tourism demand. Host opinions depend greatly on zoning and permitting experience.