Lafayette City Council Bans Short-term Rentals in Most Neighborhoods

On October 3, the City Council voted 4-1 to require every AirBnB, VRBO and short-term rental owner to buy a permit and follow other restrictions – some of the strictest in the state. In addition, the council completely banned short-term renting in RS-1 (residential) neighborhoods. There is no grandfathering or exceptions for people who rent out their own homes or apartments on the property where they live.

MEDIA LINK: Short-term rentals to be prohibited in Lafayette residential neighborhoods

What the ordinance says:
– All short-term rentals must get a permit to operate starting April 2024. There are 12 requirements, including proof of ownership, notification of neighbors, and a $100 fee. Permits must be renewed every year.
– Maximum of 4 rooms and 2 people/room. No parties.
– Owner/operator must be available 24/7 and respond within 1hr or 30 minutes between 11pm and 7am.
– Single rooms may be rented, but only 1 at a time.
– Complete ban of all short-term renting in RS-1 residential neighborhoods beginning in October 2024.

Read the Approved STR Ordinance

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Fast Facts about Lafayette Short-term Rentals

2012

Short-term rentals have existed in Lafayette since 2012 with minimal issues. The number of complaints received by the city and police each year is in single digits.

42%

STR guests say 42 percent of their spending occurs in the neighborhoods where they stay, keeping the impacts local and expanding tourism benefits.

77%

Restaurants and cafes particularly benefit from these dynamics – they are community gathering places. 77 percent of guests say wanting to live like a local matters in their decision to use STRs.

$1.1 Million

Airbnb collects & remits occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts in Louisiana as of Oct. 2018. We estimate the tax revenue from Lafayette short-term rentals is over $1.1 million per year.

Frequently Asked Questions
about Lafayette Short-term Rentals

Yes. Short-term rentals are currently allowed in Lafayette, LA. An ordinance was passed in October 2023 that will require all STR operators to get a permit by April 2024. STRs will be illegal in RS-1 residential zones beginning October 2024.

An STR ordinance was passed in October 2023 to create a permitting system and new rules for rentals. The Current has a good breakdown of the regulations here.

There is no data that supports the idea that STRs decrease property value. In fact, STRs can raise property values because their owners invest in them and must keep them in good condition and attractive to renters.

STRs rely on the services of local housekeepers, landscapers, maintenance technicians, pest control providers, property managers, and other property care specialists. Case studies have shown that for every new STR, four fractional jobs are created. In addition, STRs in Lafayette pay the same occupancy tax on rentals that hotels pay on reservations, generating approximately $1.1 million in additional tax revenue per year.

Most short-term rental owners are locals with strong ties to the neighborhood. Some owners rent out space in their own homes. Others have owned their rental properties for many years and converted from long-term rentals to short-term rentals. Research shows that most owners who live out-of-town still have strong ties to Lafayette, typically family connections.

Families with some connection to Lafayette, LA are the typical guests at area short-term rentals. They are in town visiting family, or for events such as volleyball tournaments, weddings and UL graduation. Lafayette also hosts many visitors interested in our Cajun and French culture. They prefer to stay at short-term rentals to “live like a local,” and spend much of their time and money in the neighborhoods that host them.

Short-term rentals are unique and the perfect way to connect our Cajun culture with the world. I honestly care about each and every person’s experience, and my goal is to make them love our area, come back and tell all their friends about Lafayette.”

John Pastor, LTLA member and STR owner