Short-Term Rentals in Baton Rouge, LA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Baton Rouge or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Baton Rouge has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Baton Rouge (Ordinance 16370, effective August 2023) limits non-owner-occupied short-term rentals to two guests per bedroom plus two additional people. Owner-occupied STRs must reserve at least one bedroom and require owner presence during rentals.

Key details: Max occupancy (non-owner): 2 per bedroom + 2 guests. Permit fee: $100 (non-owner occupied). Owner-occupied permit: Not required; owner must be present. Parking required: 1 off-street space per bedroom. Lodging tax rate: ~15.9% combined.

Three adjudicated violations within one calendar year result in a one-year operating ban. Fines of up to $500 per day may apply for operating without a permit.

Permit Requirements

Baton Rouge regulates short-term rentals through the Unified Development Code. STR operators must comply with zoning, obtain required permits, and register with the city-parish. The Metro Council has been developing STR regulations.

Key details: Registration: Required for STR operators. Zoning: Must comply with UDC district rules. Occupancy Tax: Required on STR bookings. Authority: Metro Council / Dept. of Development.

Operating an unregistered or unpermitted STR may result in code enforcement action and fines.

Insurance Requirements

Baton Rouge Ordinance 16370 (effective August 2023) requires all short-term rental operators to carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and name the City-Parish as an additional insured before a permit is issued.

Key details: Min. liability coverage: $1,000,000. Annual permit fee: $100. Effective date: August 2023. Max daily fine: $500/day.

Operating without a valid permit carries fines up to $500 per day. Three adjudicated violations within one year result in automatic permit revocation.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Baton Rouge must comply with the city-parish noise ordinance (Title 12, Chapter 2). Nighttime noise restrictions of 10 PM-7 AM apply. Hosts are responsible for informing guests of rules.

Key details: Nighttime Restriction: 10 PM – 7 AM. Standard: Plainly audible at property line. Host Duty: Inform guests of noise rules. Report: BRPD non-emergency 225-389-2000.

Noise complaints at STR properties are tracked. Repeated violations may affect the operator's permit or registration.

Taxes & Fees

Baton Rouge collects occupancy taxes on short-term rental bookings. Louisiana state and local hotel/motel taxes apply to STR stays. Platforms may collect some taxes automatically, but hosts remain responsible.

Key details: Tax: State + local occupancy tax required. Platform Collection: Airbnb may collect some taxes. Responsibility: Host is ultimately liable. State Registration: LA Dept. of Revenue may be required.

Failure to collect or remit occupancy taxes results in back taxes, penalties, and interest. Separate enforcement action may apply.

Compared to other cities, Baton Rouge takes a harder line on taxes & fees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Parking Rules

STR guests in Baton Rouge must comply with city-parish parking regulations. On-site parking should be provided when available. Hosts should communicate parking rules to guests before arrival.

Key details: On-Site Parking: Recommended for guests. Street Parking: Subject to city rules and posted signs. Host Duty: Communicate parking rules to guests. UDC: May require off-street parking for STRs.

Parking violations by STR guests result in standard city parking citations. Chronic parking issues may affect STR registration.

The Bottom Line

Baton Rouge's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Baton Rouge is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Baton Rouge's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.