Is Maurepas, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Maurepas, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Livingston Parish government offices, as Maurepas falls under parish jurisdiction rather than city regulations, and contact the parish planning department to confirm short-term rental allowances in your specific zone. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Livingston Parish, register for Louisiana state sales tax collection with the Department of Revenue, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near Lake Maurepas or along Highway 51, considering proximity to Baton Rouge (30 minutes) and New Orleans (45 minutes) as selling points for guests. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi, air conditioning (crucial for Louisiana climate), and outdoor furniture to take advantage of the lakeside location. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing lake views, fishing opportunities, and easy access to major cities, pricing competitively around $80-120 per night based on local market rates. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining the property regularly especially during hurricane season, and building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors in the Maurepas-Gonzales area for efficient operations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Maurepas, Louisiana, focus on waterfront locations along Lake Maurepas or properties with easy access to fishing and boating activities, as this area attracts outdoor enthusiasts and weekend getaways from New Orleans (45 minutes away) and Baton Rouge (30 minutes away). Target 2-4 bedroom homes with outdoor spaces, boat launches, fishing piers, or proximity to Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak fishing seasons (spring and fall). Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, noting that properties closer to water access points typically achieve 60-75% occupancy rates compared to 40-50% for inland properties. Research competition by identifying the 15-20 existing STRs in the area, focusing on their amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to find market gaps such as pet-friendly options or properties with boat storage. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Livingston Parish Tourism Commission and Louisiana Office of Tourism data, while connecting with local real estate agents familiar with waterfront properties and checking parish regulations for STR compliance requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Maurepas, Louisiana, you must first contact the Livingston Parish Planning Department at 20355 Government Blvd, Livingston, LA 70754, as Maurepas falls under parish jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Submit a completed short-term rental application form along with required documents including property deed or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate ($1 million minimum coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, fire safety inspection report, and business license from the Louisiana Secretary of State. Pay the application fee of approximately $150-200 plus annual renewal fees of $100-125. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submission of complete documentation. Specific Maurepas requirements include compliance with rural residential zoning restrictions limiting occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom with maximum 8 total guests, mandatory septic system compliance due to rural infrastructure, parking requirements of 2 spaces minimum, and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Properties must also meet Louisiana fire safety codes including smoke detectors in each bedroom and common areas, carbon monoxide detectors if gas appliances are present, and emergency evacuation plans posted visibly.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Maurepas, Louisiana are generally legal but subject to state and local regulations. As an unincorporated community in Livingston Parish, Maurepas falls under parish jurisdiction rather than municipal ordinances. Livingston Parish has implemented STR regulations requiring operators to obtain proper permits, maintain liability insurance, comply with occupancy limits, and adhere to noise ordinances and parking requirements. The parish typically requires STR operators to register their properties and pay applicable taxes, including sales tax and potentially occupancy taxes. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Recent changes in Louisiana law since 2021 have given parishes more authority to regulate STRs while preventing outright bans, meaning Maurepas operators must comply with both state licensing requirements and Livingston Parish's specific ordinances. Some residential neighborhoods may have HOA restrictions that further limit STR operations, and properties near sensitive areas like schools or churches may face additional scrutiny, though outright prohibited zones are limited in this rural community.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Maurepas, Louisiana are primarily concentrated near Lake Maurepas waterfront properties and the historic downtown district along Highway 22. The lakefront areas attract tourists seeking fishing, boating, and water recreation activities, particularly during spring and summer months when bass fishing tournaments and water sports events draw visitors from New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas. The downtown corridor near local restaurants and shops offers convenience for business travelers working with local petrochemical companies and contractors servicing the region's industrial facilities. Properties near Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area appeal to eco-tourists, hunters, and nature photographers, especially during hunting seasons from October through January. The residential areas closest to Interstate 55 access points provide strategic locations for guests traveling between New Orleans and Hammond, offering a quieter alternative to urban accommodations while maintaining easy highway access for day trips to French Quarter attractions or Northshore destinations.

Airbnb properties in Maurepas, Louisiana are subject to Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% and East Baton Rouge Parish sales tax, though Maurepas is located in Livingston Parish which typically imposes a local sales tax rate of approximately 3-4% on short-term rental accommodations, bringing the total tax rate to roughly 7.45-8.45%. The Louisiana Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $1,500, otherwise quarterly filing is permitted. Livingston Parish may have additional occupancy tax requirements administered through the parish tax assessor's office, typically ranging from 2-4% specifically for transient lodging stays under 30 days. Airbnb may collect and remit some of these taxes automatically through their platform depending on local agreements, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify current collection arrangements with both state and parish authorities. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and some exemptions may exist for certain government or non-profit travelers with proper documentation.

Starting an Airbnb in Maurepas, Louisiana requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in this rural St. John the Baptist Parish community. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-25,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses of $2,000-3,000 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies. Permits and fees total approximately $500-800 including short-term rental permits from St. John Parish, business license, and tax registration. Insurance costs $1,200-2,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits require $500-800 for electricity, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,500-6,000, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $173,700-217,600 depending on property size and furnishing quality.

Airbnb properties in Maurepas, Louisiana typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), utilities ($150-250 monthly), and maintenance typically consume 45-55% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 20-35% for successful operators. Properties near Lake Maurepas or those offering unique experiences like fishing access, kayak rentals, or proximity to New Orleans (45 minutes away) command premium rates and achieve higher occupancy, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $8,000-15,000 on modest 2-3 bedroom properties purchased for $120,000-180,000. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, local partnerships with fishing guides or tour operators, and strategic pricing during peak seasons like Mardi Gras and summer months when New Orleans visitors seek quieter lakeside accommodations, though the market remains relatively small compared to major tourist destinations, requiring hosts to maintain competitive pricing and exceptional guest experiences to achieve sustainable profitability.

Based on Maurepas, Louisiana market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near Lake Maurepas and those offering fishing or outdoor recreation access tend to perform at the higher end of this range, while standard residential conversions average closer to 10-12% annual returns. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months of operation, with full investment recovery typically achieved in 6-8 years. The market benefits from proximity to New Orleans (45 minutes) attracting weekend visitors and fishing enthusiasts, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% during peak seasons (spring through fall). Properties requiring minimal renovation show faster paths to profitability, while those needing significant updates may extend the break-even timeline to 12-18 months but can achieve higher long-term returns of 15-20% annually once established.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Maurepas, Louisiana, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents like those at Keller Williams Realty in nearby Hammond and Century 21 agents serving Livingston Parish specialize in investment properties and understand the Maurepas market dynamics. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb investment analysis tools, and BiggerPockets, which connects investors with local market expertise. AirDNA offers short-term rental market data specifically for the Maurepas area, while Awning provides full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance. Local property management companies like Louisiana Vacation Rentals and Gulf Coast property managers can assist with both acquisition and ongoing management. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Louisiana properties, and local mortgage brokers like those at First National Bank of Louisiana can provide specialized financing for investment properties in the Maurepas market.