Tenant Rights in Louisiana

Security Deposits

• Maximum amountNo statutory limit. Landlords may charge any amount.
• Return deadline30 days after the lease ends and the tenant vacates.

Landlord may deduct for unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear. Must provide an itemized statement of any deductions. Failure to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 days may result in penalties.

Eviction Process

• Notice requirements5-day notice for nonpayment of rent (grace period). Louisiana does not require a pre-suit notice by statute for nonpayment; landlords often proceed directly through the eviction process. For lease violations, the lease terms generally control.
• Judicial eviction requiredYes
• Estimated timeline2 to 4 weeks for uncontested cases. Eviction through the Justice of the Peace or City Court.

Rent Control

Louisiana has no rent control laws at any level.

Repair and Habitability

• Repair and deductNot allowed
• Rent withholdingNot allowed
• Retaliation protectionNo

Lease Termination

• Month-to-month notice10 days' written notice before the end of the rental period.

Tenant may be liable for remaining rent through the lease term. Louisiana does not impose a strong statutory duty on landlords to mitigate. Military members may terminate under the SCRA.

Key Statutes

• Louisiana Civil Code - Lease: La. Civ. Code art. 2668–2729
• Security Deposits: La. R.S. § 9:3251–9:3254
• Eviction (Code of Civil Procedure): La. C.C.P. art. 4701–4735

When to Get Legal Help

• You're facing eviction, especially with short notice
• Your landlord is withholding a large security deposit
• You believe you're being discriminated against
• Your unit has serious habitability issues the landlord refuses to fix

Find free legal aid in Louisiana

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a limit on security deposits in Louisiana?

  No. Louisiana does not cap security deposits. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant vacates, along with an itemized list of any deductions.

• Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Louisiana?

  Louisiana does not provide a statutory repair-and-deduct or rent withholding remedy. Tenants should contact local code enforcement or pursue remedies through the court system if the landlord fails to maintain the premises.

• How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Louisiana?

  Louisiana requires only 10 days' notice before the end of the rental period to terminate a month-to-month tenancy, which is shorter than most states.

• Does Louisiana have retaliation protections for tenants?

  Louisiana does not have a specific anti-retaliation statute for tenants. Tenants may need to rely on general legal principles or seek legal counsel if they face retaliatory actions.

Sources

• Louisiana State Legislature - Civil Code: Lease