New Orleans. Where the streets hum with jazz, the beignets come buried in powdered sugar, and the foot traffic never really stops. Especially during tourist season. Which, depending on who you ask, is either a few months long or just… all the time.
If you own a rental property here, you probably already know the rhythm. The city fills up, and so does your calendar. But here’s the thing: when the crowds come, so does the risk. Increased foot traffic, a revolving door of guests, and more distractions mean your property can quietly slide into a “soft target” zone.
No judgment. It happens. But let’s talk about how to keep your place a little safer, a little smarter, and maybe a lot less stress-inducing.
Tourists Bring Energy (and Eyes)
You’d think more people around would deter crime, and sometimes it does. But more often, it just adds noise. Tourists are distracted. They’re juggling luggage, phones, and Café du Monde receipts. They don’t always lock doors or windows. Sometimes they post your property’s exact layout on Instagram. (Unintentionally, but still.)
One study found that cities with high tourist density can see up to a 20% spike in property crime during peak seasons. And yes, that includes short-term rental hotspots like New Orleans.
Lock It Down, Literally
Let’s start with the obvious. Secure locks. You’d be surprised how many rentals still rely on that old-school key under the mat routine. (If that’s you, please reconsider. Immediately.)
Smart locks with changing codes are a game-changer. You don’t have to hand off keys, and you can reset between every guest. Just don’t make the code something like “504504.”
Oh, and while you’re at it, double-check the windows. Especially the ones in the back. They tend to be forgotten, and thieves know that.
Lights, Cameras, (Not Always) Action
Motion-sensor lights and cameras are like the “hey, I see you” of home security. You don’t need to go full CIA, but a doorbell cam and a couple of outdoor lights can go a long way.
Not just for deterrence. If something does happen, you’ll have a record. Which can be a lifesaver for insurance, or even just proving that the guest did in fact try to barbecue indoors. (Yes, that’s a thing. Don’t ask.)
Guests Make Mistakes, Build in Safety Anyway
Even the best guests have off days. Someone’s jetlagged, someone’s had one too many Hurricanes, someone just can’t figure out the deadbolt. Mistakes happen.
So, build for them. Have clear signage on how to lock doors and windows. Include a reminder in your welcome message. Maybe even tape a subtle little “don’t forget to lock up!” note by the back door. It’s not micromanaging. It’s prevention.
Property Managers Are Worth Their Weight in Crawfish
Now, managing all this, especially if you don’t live nearby, can get tricky. That’s where New Orleans property managers come in. The good ones are like a quiet superpower. They check your property in person. They screen guests more carefully than an online platform ever will. And they know what to look for when things seem “off.”
If you’ve already got a property manager and they’re doing their job, congrats. You’re ahead of the curve. If not, and your phone’s been blowing up every time a guest can’t figure out the Wi-Fi or spots a lizard in the yard… maybe it’s time.
Stay Friendly, Not Naive
There’s a fine line between being a welcoming host and an easy mark. You can do both, friendly and firm. Think of it like hosting a dinner party where you still hide the good wine. You’re offering comfort, not a free-for-all.
Add in some subtle safeguards. A security system sign in the window, even if you’re not running a Fort Knox setup. Locked supply closets. Keep owner belongings (and anything sentimental) out of reach.
And yes, double-check your insurance coverage. Just… trust us.
Don’t Skip the Boring Stuff (It Pays Off)
A lot of this advice feels like common sense, but common sense has a way of evaporating during Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras. Take time before peak season hits to:
- Inspect doors and window latches
- Update your security system login info
- Re-read your short-term rental insurance policy
- Revisit your guest rules (and post them somewhere obvious)
Also? Consider noise monitoring tools. Not to spy. Just to keep tabs. If the decibel level hits nightclub territory, you’ll want to know, before the neighbors do.
Short-Term Rental Management Isn’t Just a Side Hustle Anymore
Managing a short-term rental in New Orleans is a business. A fun, chaotic, profitable one, but still a business. Treat it like one. That means safety isn’t optional. It’s part of your brand, your reviews, and your sanity.
A good property manager gets this. They help you think ahead, not just react. They’ll walk through the “what ifs” so you’re not doing damage control while stuck in traffic on I-10.
Last Bite of Beignet (Before You Go)
Look, you don’t need to turn your charming Creole cottage into a fortress. But a little planning now means fewer late-night panic calls later. Plus, your guests will thank you. Maybe not directly. But in five-star reviews, and fewer broken things.
If you’re feeling like this is all a bit much to juggle, it might be time to get some help. Wurth PM knows the ins and outs of New Orleans rental security. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the beignet-fueled weird. And we can help you navigate it all. Call us today!
