Guide to filing a STR code enforcement complaint

The parish is likely to do nothing on its own initiative.  Someone must make a formal complaint.   

1.  Fill out a code enforcement complaint form detailing the problem.  The form is available on the parish website or on www.eiohforum.com under "links of interest".

2. Include evidence with the complaint such as the property address, the link to the advertisement, pictures if you have them and any owner information you can find. 

3. Submit the form via code enforcement's email address AND also send the hardcopies to the code enforcement department via Priority Mail so that delivery can be tracked.

4.  After about a week, call the code enforcement department and confirm receipt of your complaint and ask if they need anything else to process the infraction.  Confirm that they will send a Cease & Desist Notice to the property owner AND to Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.

If the property owner is non caring they likely will not stop the STR operation until they get the Cease & Desist notice.   If they still do not stop, follow up with code enforcement with evidence and let them know you expect them to issue a summons and that you want a copy of the notice so you can show up to the hearing to testify.  

The parish has the authority to issue fines and as a last resort to withdraw the Certificate of Occupancy and have the utilities disconnected.  Airbnb, Vrbo, etc. are subject to fines and lawsuits if they knowingly advertise illegal rentals.  Note that it is unlikely a STR could financially survive without being advertised. 

5.  The St. Tammany Assessor's office is not part of parish government.  It is a state agency under governance of the State of Louisiana.  If you find a STR that is claiming homestead exemption you should also file a separate FRAUD COMPLAINT with the Assessors Office. 

Do not let lawyers intimidate you.  Lawyers have the obligation to represent their STR owner clients to the best of their ability; however, they do not have the right to promote illegal acts.  If a lawyer does promote illegal acts then that should be brought to the attention of the Louisiana State Bar Association for investigation.

You may also personally sue STR owners in small claims court for damages relating to the loss of enjoyment of your property for its intended use as a private single family residence.

see www.eiohforum.com ... "community issues" ... "STR Issues"  Fighting STR in court

rev. 7-23-21