Photo Courtesy of David Grunfeld, nola.com 

After over a decade of New Orleans’ renters demanding safe and healthy standards for rental properties, the City of New Orleans’ Healthy Homes program became effective on January 1, 2024. The Healthy Homes Program is accepting applications from landlords of properties with more than 50 rental units. All landlords must register their rental properties with the city with a phased-in process over the next 13 months, and they must verify that their rental properties meet the Minimum Rental Standards as established by the Healthy Homes Ordinance passed by the New Orleans City Council in 2022. 

The registry process for landlords will be implemented in phases depending on the number of units on a property.

    Parcels with 50+ dwelling units – Jan. 1, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2024 

    Parcels with 4-49 dwelling units – July 1, 2024 – 15 Aug. 15, 2024 

    Parcels with 1-3 dwelling units – Jan. 1, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2025 

Landlords will be met with late fees if they fail to register their properties by the dates listed above. 

In addition to registration, landlords must ensure their properties have the following safe and working items: fire and smoke detectors, hot and cold water, unit-wide air conditioning and heating, electrical wiring and outlets, a bathtub or shower, toilet, and kitchen sink. Landlords must also ensure their properties are free from mold, major cracks, holes, decay, and pest infestations. Read the full list of Minimum Rental Standards here.

Renters are reminded that they may report repairs at any time.

Renters seeking repairs or to file a complaint for substandard living conditions are reminded that they are only protected from retaliatory evictions if they complete the following 

1. Notify landlord of needed repairs in writing (such as text or email) before calling 311. Keep a record of the written request
2. Document needed repairs in photo or video
3. Are following the agreements in the lease, including up to date on rental payments

Unlike other states, renters in Louisiana cannot withhold rent if landlords do not make repairs. If rent is withheld, landlords have grounds for legal eviction.

Renters in Orleans Parish are also reminded that they have a right to an attorney in Orleans Parish Eviction Court. If you are facing an eviction, call Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at (504) 529-1000 Ext. 223 or Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center at (504) 596-2100.

For more information, landlords can visit the City of New Orleans’ Healthy Homes Program here, and tenants can learn more about their protections at LaFHAC’s blog here.