Is Kenner, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kenner, Louisiana, begin by researching local regulations as Kenner requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office and comply with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Contact Kenner's Planning and Zoning Department at (504) 468-7240 to verify your property's eligibility and obtain necessary permits, including a Certificate of Occupancy if required. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport or vintage neighborhoods like Rivertown, ensuring the property meets safety codes and has adequate parking. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, air conditioning (crucial for Louisiana's climate), and local guidebooks featuring nearby attractions like the Kenner Planetarium and Observatory. Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos highlighting unique features, set competitive pricing based on proximity to the airport (typically $60-120 per night), and write descriptions emphasizing convenience to New Orleans (20 minutes away). Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, and ensuring compliance with Louisiana's 4.45% state sales tax plus Jefferson Parish's additional taxes on short-term rentals, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and considering property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if you prefer hands-off management.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kenner, Louisiana, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of New Orleans French Quarter and near Louis Armstrong International Airport, as these areas capture both tourist overflow and business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with parking, outdoor spaces, and modern amenities, as families and groups prefer these over hotel alternatives. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO in Kenner's Rivertown district and near the airport, aiming for properties that can generate $100-200 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates. Study competition density using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify underserved pockets, particularly in established neighborhoods like Château Estates and areas near Rivertown's entertainment district. Utilize local resources including the Jefferson Parish planning department for zoning verification, connect with Kenner-based real estate agents familiar with STR regulations, and monitor seasonal demand patterns tied to New Orleans events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, which significantly impact Kenner's rental market due to hotel overflow from the city.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kenner, Louisiana, you must first contact the Kenner City Hall Planning and Zoning Department at 1801 Williams Boulevard to verify current zoning compliance and obtain a Conditional Use Permit application, as short-term rentals typically require special approval in residential zones. Required documents include a completed CUP application, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of property insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, Louisiana sales tax registration, and a detailed operational plan addressing noise control, occupancy limits, and neighbor notification procedures. The application fee is approximately $500-750 for the Conditional Use Permit, plus additional fees of around $200-300 for inspections and administrative processing. You must also register for Louisiana sales tax collection with the Department of Revenue and obtain a Jefferson Parish business license if operating commercially. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days from application submission, including a mandatory public hearing before the Planning Commission where adjacent property owners are notified and may provide input. Kenner specifically requires STR properties to maintain adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, prohibit events or parties, display the permit number in all advertisements, and designate a local contact person available 24/7 for neighbor concerns, with properties subject to annual renewal and compliance inspections.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Kenner, Louisiana, but operate under specific municipal regulations that the city has implemented to balance tourism revenue with residential neighborhood concerns. As of 2023, Kenner requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit short-term rentals in certain residential areas while allowing them in commercial and mixed-use zones. The city has established occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances specifically for STRs, with violations subject to fines and potential license revocation. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency exits, and operators are required to provide 24-hour contact information for noise or disturbance complaints. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for non-compliant operators, particularly regarding noise violations and overcrowding issues that affected residential neighborhoods near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and along major corridors like Williams Boulevard.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Kenner, Louisiana include the Rivertown Historic District, which attracts tourists with its museums, heritage sites, and proximity to the Mississippi River levee for events and festivals. The area near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport offers excellent potential for business travelers and tourists seeking convenient accommodation, with properties typically commanding premium rates due to proximity to the airport. The Laketown neighborhood along Lake Pontchartrain provides waterfront appeal for leisure travelers and fishing enthusiasts, while the Vintage neighborhood offers affordable investment opportunities with good rental demand from airport workers and visitors. The Williams Boulevard corridor is attractive due to its commercial development, restaurants, and easy access to both New Orleans and the airport, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Properties near the Pontchartrain Center benefit from event-driven demand, as this venue hosts trade shows, concerts, and conventions throughout the year, creating consistent short-term rental opportunities.

In Kenner, Louisiana, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45%, Jefferson Parish occupancy tax of 3%, and the Kenner city occupancy tax of 2%, totaling approximately 9.45% in combined taxes on short-term rental bookings. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify their registration status with local tax offices. The Louisiana Department of Revenue requires short-term rental operators to obtain a sales tax license, while Jefferson Parish and the City of Kenner may require separate occupancy tax permits and business licenses. Remittance is generally handled monthly by Airbnb through their automated tax collection system, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to file returns directly if not covered by Airbnb's collection agreements. Exemptions are limited and typically apply only to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, though hosts should consult current local ordinances as regulations have evolved significantly since 2018-2020 when many Louisiana municipalities began implementing specific short-term rental tax frameworks.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Kenner, Louisiana is approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $200,000-$230,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and miscellaneous expenses total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming moderate occupancy rates of 50-60%.

Airbnb properties in Kenner, Louisiana typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for well-positioned units, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on proximity to New Orleans International Airport and downtown accessibility. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Properties within 10 miles of the French Quarter and near airport corridors achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, while suburban locations average 45-60%. Successful operators like those managing properties on Williams Boulevard and near Laketown report net profit margins of 25-35% by focusing on business travelers and airport layover guests. Key success factors include strategic location selection near major transportation hubs, competitive pricing 10-15% below New Orleans proper, professional photography, and rapid response times under 2 hours. Properties targeting the $80-$100 nightly rate with 2-3 bedrooms in safe neighborhoods near Rivertown or Lakeside Shopping Center demonstrate the strongest performance, with some hosts reporting monthly net profits of $1,500-$2,800 after all expenses during peak tourism seasons from October through April.

Airbnb investments in Kenner, Louisiana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and downtown New Orleans access points perform strongest, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with gross rental yields averaging 10-14% before expenses. The proximity to New Orleans tourism, Mardi Gras events, and business travelers creates consistent demand, though seasonal fluctuations affect performance with peak months (February, March, October, November) generating 25-40% higher revenues than summer months. Properties requiring minimal renovation in established neighborhoods like Rivertown or near Treasure Chest Casino show faster paths to profitability within 12-18 months, while cash-on-cash returns can reach 12-15% for investors purchasing below market value and optimizing operations efficiently.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations in Kenner, Louisiana. Local real estate agents in the Kenner area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Realty New Orleans with agents like those at the Metairie office, RE/MAX New Orleans Properties, and Latter & Blum Realtors who have experience with vacation rental investments along the Louisiana Gulf Coast region. National services that assist Airbnb investors include AirDNA for market data and analytics, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, BiggerPockets for networking and education, and Awning for short-term rental property management. Local property management companies such as RedAwning, AvantStay, and regional firms like Gulf Coast Property Management provide turnkey Airbnb management services in the greater New Orleans metropolitan area including Kenner. Additional resources include local investment groups through the Real Estate Investment Association of New Orleans, and platforms like Roofstock and Fundrise that occasionally feature Louisiana investment properties, while companies like AirBnB Automated and Hostfully provide technology solutions for managing short-term rental operations in the Kenner market.