Learn About Property Taxes
Understanding how property taxes affect renters in New Orleans
What is Property Tax?
Property tax is an annual tax paid by property owners based on the assessed value of their property. In New Orleans, this tax funds essential city services like schools, police, fire department, and infrastructure maintenance.
The Orleans Parish Assessor determines the value of each property, and the tax rate is applied to calculate the annual tax bill. Property owners are legally responsible for paying these taxes.
How Property Tax Affects Renters
While renters don't directly pay property taxes, they indirectly contribute through their rent payments. Landlords typically factor property tax costs into rental prices to maintain profitability.
Key Points for Renters:
- Higher property taxes often lead to higher rent
- Property tax increases can result in rent increases
- Understanding tax burden helps in housing decisions
- Renters have the right to know about property tax costs
How Property Assessment Works in Orleans Parish
The Orleans Parish Assessor evaluates properties every four years, though the process has been ongoing to catch up with market values. Here's how it works:
Assessment Process
- Property inspection and measurement
- Market analysis and comparable sales
- Application of assessment ratio (10% for residential)
- Consideration of exemptions (homestead, etc.)
Tax Calculation
- Assessed Value × Mill Rate = Annual Tax
- Different rates for different districts
- Special assessments may apply
- Exemptions reduce final tax amount
Understanding Tax Inequities
Property tax systems can sometimes create inequities, especially in cities with diverse neighborhoods like New Orleans. Some issues to be aware of:
Common Issues:
- Uneven assessments: Similar properties may have different assessed values
- Gentrification effects: Rising assessments in improving neighborhoods
- Appeal disparities: Not all property owners appeal unfair assessments
- Exemption gaps: Some eligible properties don't receive proper exemptions
Your Rights and Resources as a Renter
As a renter in New Orleans, you have certain rights and resources when it comes to understanding how property taxes affect your housing costs:
Your Rights
- Request property tax information from landlord
- Access public assessment records
- Attend city council meetings on tax policy
- Organize with other renters for advocacy
Useful Resources
- Orleans Parish Assessor's Office
- New Orleans City Council
- Local tenant rights organizations
- Property tax appeal assistance programs
Ready to Analyze Your Property?
Use our calculator to see how much of your rent goes toward property taxes
Calculate Now