Is Marrero, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marrero, Louisiana, begin by researching Jefferson Parish regulations as Marrero falls under this jurisdiction, which typically requires short-term rental permits and business licenses, with properties needing to comply with fire safety codes and occupancy limits set around 2019-2020. Contact Jefferson Parish Planning Department to obtain the necessary Conditional Use Permit for short-term rentals, which costs approximately $200-400, and register for a business license through Louisiana Secretary of State and Jefferson Parish, expecting fees around $100-300 total. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near the West Bank Expressway or close to New Orleans attractions, considering properties priced between $150,000-250,000 for purchase or $1,200-1,800 monthly for rental arbitrage, ensuring the property allows short-term rentals in the lease agreement. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen appliances, WiFi, air conditioning (crucial for Louisiana climate), and local guidebooks, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for complete furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to New Orleans (15-20 minutes), competitive pricing around $75-150 per night based on local market rates, and emphasize features like parking availability and hurricane preparedness supplies. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding to inquiries within an hour, coordinating with local cleaning services charging $40-80 per turnover, and maintaining relationships with Jefferson Parish code enforcement to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving short-term rental regulations that may include annual inspections and neighbor notification requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Marrero, Louisiana, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of downtown New Orleans and near major attractions like the French Quarter, as proximity to tourism hubs drives demand. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes with parking, outdoor spaces, and modern amenities, as families and groups visiting New Orleans often seek affordable alternatives to expensive French Quarter hotels. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track average daily rates ($80-150) and occupancy rates (60-75%) in the West Bank area, comparing properties near the Crescent City Connection and Algiers ferry terminals which offer easy access to New Orleans. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 3-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting gaps in amenities or property types, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and summer months when rates can increase 40-60%. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Latter & Blum or Keller Williams agents familiar with Jefferson Parish regulations, while ensuring compliance with local STR ordinances and considering flood zone maps given the area's proximity to the Mississippi River, targeting properties that can achieve 15-25% annual returns through strategic positioning as budget-friendly New Orleans alternatives.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marrero, Louisiana, you must apply through Jefferson Parish since Marrero is an unincorporated community within the parish. Start by contacting the Jefferson Parish Planning Department at 200 Derbigny Street, Gretna, LA 70053, or visit their website to download the Short-Term Rental application form. Required documents typically include a completed application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy ($500,000 minimum coverage), floor plan of the property, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7. The application fee is approximately $200-300, with additional inspection fees around $100-150. Submit your complete application package and schedule a required property inspection with the parish's Code Enforcement Division. The timeline is generally 30-45 days from submission to approval, assuming no complications arise during the review process. Jefferson Parish requires STR properties to maintain liability insurance, provide adequate parking (typically one space per bedroom), ensure the property meets all building and fire codes, display the permit number in all advertisements, collect and remit parish occupancy taxes, and maintain a guest registry. Once approved, you'll receive your STR permit which must be renewed annually, and you must register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Marrero, Louisiana are generally legal but subject to Jefferson Parish regulations since Marrero is an unincorporated community within the parish. Jefferson Parish allows STRs but requires operators to obtain a conditional use permit, register with the parish, collect occupancy taxes, and comply with zoning restrictions that typically limit STRs in residential areas to owner-occupied properties or specific zoning districts. The parish has implemented noise ordinances, parking requirements, and guest limits, while some residential neighborhoods may have additional homeowners association restrictions. Recent changes around 2019-2021 included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced registration requirements, with the parish taking a more active role in monitoring compliance and addressing neighbor complaints, though STRs remain permitted throughout most of Jefferson Parish including the Marrero area when properly licensed and operated according to local zoning and safety standards.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Marrero, Louisiana include the Westbank Expressway corridor near the Harvey Canal, which offers easy access to downtown New Orleans via the Crescent City Connection bridge making it attractive for tourists wanting affordable accommodations outside the French Quarter while remaining within 15 minutes of major attractions. The Barataria Boulevard area near the Westwego city line provides proximity to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, attracting eco-tourists and history enthusiasts visiting the swamplands and Barataria Preserve. Properties near the West Jefferson Medical Center on Lapalco Boulevard cater to medical travelers and families of patients requiring extended stays. The residential areas around Ames Boulevard and 4th Street offer quiet, family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending events at the nearby Alario Center or families visiting Mardi Gras World. The Marrero Commons area along Lapalco Boulevard provides convenient access to shopping and dining while maintaining reasonable property prices, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want modern amenities and easy highway access to both New Orleans tourism districts and the growing business corridor in Jefferson Parish.

Airbnb properties in Marrero, Louisiana are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45%, Jefferson Parish occupancy tax of 3%, and potentially additional local municipal taxes that can range from 1-3%. The Louisiana Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect the 4.45% state tax on all short-term rental bookings, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month. Jefferson Parish imposes its 3% occupancy tax on stays less than 30 days, collected through the parish's tax department with quarterly filing requirements. Airbnb may collect and remit some of these taxes automatically through their platform for registered properties, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from occupancy taxes but may still be subject to regular sales tax. Additional fees may include business license requirements from Jefferson Parish ranging from $50-200 annually depending on the property type and rental frequency, with some exemptions available for owner-occupied properties rented fewer than 90 days per year.

Starting an Airbnb in Marrero, Louisiana requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-12,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total around $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees in Jefferson Parish include short-term rental permits ($200-500), business licenses ($100-300), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs approximately $1,500-2,500 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), supplies ($100/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), property management software ($50/month), and maintenance reserves total approximately $4,000-6,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for the New Orleans metro area.

Airbnb properties in Marrero, Louisiana typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Properties within 15-20 minutes of downtown New Orleans command premium rates, particularly during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest seasons when daily rates can increase 200-400%. Success factors include proximity to New Orleans attractions, reliable WiFi, parking availability, and responsive host communication, with top-performing properties often featuring local touches like Creole-inspired decor or recommendations for nearby seafood restaurants. The market benefits from year-round tourism demand and lower property acquisition costs compared to New Orleans proper, though hosts must navigate Jefferson Parish regulations and compete with approximately 200-300 active listings in the greater Marrero area as of 2023-2024.

Airbnb investments in Marrero, Louisiana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in this Jefferson Parish suburb, located approximately 10 miles from downtown New Orleans, benefit from proximity to the French Quarter and lower acquisition costs compared to central New Orleans, with average property prices between $150,000-$250,000. Investors can expect to achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with nightly rates averaging $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. The market shows strong demand from tourists seeking affordable accommodations near New Orleans attractions, business travelers working in the petrochemical corridor, and visitors to nearby attractions like the Barataria Preserve, with occupancy rates typically ranging from 60-75% annually and peak performance during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and summer months when tourism peaks in the greater New Orleans area.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Marrero, Louisiana. Local real estate agents in the Greater New Orleans area like those at Keller Williams Realty New Orleans, RE/MAX New Orleans Properties, and Century 21 Investment Realty have experience with investment properties in Marrero and surrounding Jefferson Parish communities. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investment properties. Local property management companies such as RedAwning, AvantStay, and New Orleans-based STR management firms can assist with operations once properties are acquired. Real estate investment groups like BiggerPockets connect investors with local market experts, while companies like Roofstock and Arrived Homes offer online platforms for purchasing rental properties. Local mortgage brokers and lenders familiar with investment property financing in Louisiana, such as Gulf Coast Bank & Trust and First NBC Bank, can provide financing solutions for Airbnb investments in the Marrero market.