Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Slidell, LA?

Yes, but with significant restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted in Slidell only if the property is located in commercially zoned or mixed-use areas within St. Tammany Parish. Single-family residential properties are prohibited from operating as short-term rentals under the parish-wide ordinance that took effect February 1, 2022. This represents a de facto ban in most residential neighborhoods, as Slidell consists primarily of single-family residential zoning.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Phase 1: Zoning Verification and Property Assessment

1. Verify Zoning Classification: Confirm your property is zoned for commercial or mixed-use before proceeding with any investment. Single-family residential properties are ineligible.
2. Conduct Due Diligence: Review property deeds and zoning maps through the St. Tammany Parish Planning Department.
3. Assess Infrastructure: Ensure the property meets safety and parking requirements (minimum one off-street parking space per rented bedroom).

Phase 2: Permitting and Licensing Process

1. Submit Short-Term Rental Application: Complete the official St. Tammany Parish application with the Department of Planning and Development.
2. Obtain Required Insurance: Secure $500,000 minimum liability coverage specifically covering short-term rentals.
3. Designate Responsible Party: Appoint and register a local responsible party available 24/7 during guest stays.
4. Complete Background Checks: Both operator and designated responsible party must pass criminal background investigations through the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

Phase 3: Operational Setup

1. Install Safety Equipment: Install hardwired smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
2. Create Guest Information Package: Develop comprehensive informational brochure with emergency procedures and local guidelines.
3. Establish Record-Keeping Systems: Implement systems to maintain guest records for minimum 3 years.
4. Set Up Tax Collection: Configure systems for parish hotel-motel tax and state sales tax collection and remittance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents and Licenses

1. Property Ownership Documentation:

   • Recorded Act of Sale, Deed, or Louisiana Homestead Exemption establishing ownership
   • If entity-owned: Sworn affidavit with entity details and authorization
   • If leased: Sworn affidavit from property owner plus current signed lease agreement

2. Operator Identification:

   • Copy of valid driver's license, passport, or voter's registration
   • Valid occupational license (operator and/or owner)

3. Insurance Requirements:

   • General liability coverage of $500,000+ specifically covering short-term rentals
   • Current insurance certificate as verification

4. Legal and Compliance Documents:

   • Two sworn affidavits from operator regarding compliance and responsible party designation
   • Notarized criminal background investigation results for operator and designated responsible party (conducted by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office)
   • Site and floor plan with scaled diagram showing bedrooms, beds, bathrooms, and parking

5. Safety and Information Materials:

   • Guest information brochure covering responsible party contacts, fire procedures, parking rules, trash collection, and neighborhood guidelines
   • Proof of installation: operable hardwired smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguisher

Permit Applications and Fees

• Initial Application Fee: $250 (non-refundable)
• Annual Permit Fee: $750 (due February 1st each year)
• Late Payment Penalties: 1.25% monthly interest from March 1st plus 5% monthly penalty (max 25% of fee)

Specific Regulations: City, Parish, and State Levels

St. Tammany Parish Regulations (Primary Governing Body)

Zoning Restrictions:

• Short-term rentals prohibited in single-family residential zones
• Permitted only in mixed-use and commercial zoning districts
• Violation creates presumption of illegal operation

Operational Requirements:

• Designated Responsible Party: Must be available 24/7 during guest stays and respond physically within 60 minutes
• Maximum Occupancy: Determined by Fire Marshal and Planning Department, displayed in property
• Event Prohibitions: No weddings, receptions, parties, amplified music, commercial functions, or similar events

Advertising Requirements:

• Permit number, expiration date, and maximum guest count must appear in all advertisements
• Permit must be displayed conspicuously within the rental property

Record Keeping:

• Maintain guest registration records (names, payment methods, transaction amounts) for minimum 3 years
• Subject to audit by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

Penalties:

• Operating without permit: $500 per day, per property
• Advertising in prohibited zones: Creates presumption of violation
• Multiple rentals on same property: Presumption that additional permits required

Slidell City Regulations

Currently, Slidell does not have specific short-term rental ordinances. However, the city has:

• Issued cease and desist letters to STR operators violating existing city codes
• Enforced codes prohibiting transient boarding houses in residential areas
• Jurisdiction over properties within city limits (which may have different enforcement priorities)

Louisiana State Regulations

Tax Obligations:

• State Sales Tax: 4.45% on lodging (rates vary by location)
• Registration Required: Register with Louisiana Department of Revenue for sales tax collection
• Filing Requirements: Monthly or quarterly sales tax returns required

Parish Hotel-Motel Tax:

• St. Tammany Parish hotel-motel tax (specific rates to be verified)
• Registration with parish required
• Regular filing and remittance obligations

Platform Compliance:

• Airbnb: Collects state sales tax and parish taxes on behalf of hosts
• Vrbo: Does not collect parish taxes; hosts must handle collection and remittance
• Hosts responsible for taxes not collected by platforms

Contact Information

Primary Authorities

St. Tammany Parish Department of Planning & Development

• Address: P.O. Box 628, Covington, Louisiana 70434
• Phone: 985-898-2529
• Email: planning@stpgov.org
• Website: www.stpgov.org

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

• Criminal Background Investigations
• Contact through main office (number not provided in sources)

Louisiana Department of Revenue

• State sales tax registration and compliance
• Website: revenue.louisiana.gov

Related Departments

Permits and Inspections Department

• Safety inspections and compliance verification
• Contact through Planning Department

Key Source Documents and Links

1. St. Tammany Parish STR Application Form: http://www3.stpgov.org/pdf/Short_Term_Rental_Application.pdf

2. St. Tammany Parish STR Ordinance Analysis: https://www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/blog/2021/07/st-tammany-parish-bans-short-term-rentals-in-residential-zones.html

3. News Coverage of STR Restrictions: https://www.nola.com/news/northshore/got-a-short-term-rental-in-st-tammany-new-restrictions-will-ban-them-in-many/article_870fdc18-e0d8-11eb-9ba6-2b3e662e81ce.html

4. St. Tammany Parish Unified Development Code: http://www3.stpgov.org/planning/Unified_Development_Code_Last_Amended_Per_Council_Ord_25_5700.pdf

Investment Strategy Recommendations

For serious STR investors in the Slidell market:

1. Focus on Commercial/Mixed-Use Properties: These represent the only viable opportunities under current parish restrictions
2. Factor in Permit Costs: Budget for $1,000+ in initial permit and application fees annually
3. Ensure 24/7 Management: Factor costs for designated responsible party availability into operational budgets
4. Monitor Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about potential ordinance amendments, as parish leadership has indicated openness to industry feedback
5. Consider Adjacent Markets: Properties in Covington, Mandeville, or other parish areas may offer different regulatory environments

The current regulatory environment significantly restricts the STR market in Slidell, making viable opportunities limited to commercially zoned properties with substantially higher compliance costs and operational requirements than typical residential STR investments.