Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Law

At a Glance

Security Deposits

Louisiana does not impose a statutory limit on the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit. Landlords are free to set the deposit at any amount.

Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit. The return must include an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 days may subject the landlord to penalties.

cite: La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251

Eviction Procedures

Louisiana requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are illegal.

Notice Requirements

• 5-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent; tenant may receive a grace period before the notice takes effect
• 5-Day Notice: For lease violations; tenant is given notice to vacate for material breaches of the lease
• 10-Day Notice: For terminating month-to-month tenancies without cause

Louisiana's eviction process requires the landlord to file a suit for eviction in the appropriate court after the notice period expires. The tenant has the right to appear and contest the eviction.

cite: La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701–4735

Rent Control

Louisiana does not have any statewide rent control laws. There are no local jurisdictions in Louisiana that have enacted rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords are free to set and raise rent at their discretion, subject to the terms of any existing lease agreement.

For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 10 days' notice before implementing a rent increase.

cite: La. Civ. Code art. 2728

Lease Agreements

Louisiana law permits oral lease agreements for tenancies of 12 months or less. Leases longer than 12 months must be in writing to be enforceable. Louisiana follows the Civil Code tradition rather than common law, which affects how lease disputes are interpreted.

Required Disclosures

Louisiana landlords must provide the following disclosures:

• Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties)
• Owner/agent identity: The name and address of the property owner or authorized agent
• Foreclosure status: If the property is in foreclosure, the landlord must disclose this to prospective tenants
• Known hazards: Any material defects or hazards known to the landlord

cite: La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251–3261

Tenant Rights

Louisiana provides the following protections for tenants:

• Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in a condition suitable for the intended use, including working plumbing, heating, electricity, and structural integrity
• Retaliation protection: Louisiana courts have recognized tenant protections against retaliatory eviction in certain circumstances
• Discrimination protection: Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability
• Right to privacy: While there is no specific statute requiring a notice period, courts generally require landlords to provide reasonable notice before entering a tenant's unit
• Right to peaceful enjoyment: Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of the leased premises without interference from the landlord

cite: La. Civ. Code art. 2682–2729