Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Law
The rules for renting in Louisiana — security deposits, eviction, ending a lease, repairs and rent — with the statute or official page behind every answer.
Quick answers for Louisiana
- Security deposit limit
- No statutory cap La. R.S. 9:3251-3254
- Deposit return deadline
- Within one month after the lease terminates. If the landlord keeps any part, the itemized statement is due within one month after the tenancy ends. As of Aug. 1, 2026, the landlord may instead send it within an additional 15 days after that one-month date. La. R.S. 9:3251(A), as amended by Acts 2026, No. 63 (HB 292), eff. Aug. 1, 2026
- Notice for unpaid rent
- Written notice to vacate giving at least 5 days from delivery. Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are not counted in a period this short, so in practice the tenant gets 5 business days. The lease may waive the notice, and many standard leases do. La. C.C.P. arts. 4701, 5059(C)(3); La. R.S. 1:55(E); La. C.C. art. 2704
- Ending a month-to-month lease
- Either party: written notice at least 10 calendar days before the end of the month. Other periods: 30 calendar days for terms longer than a month (e.g. year-to-year), 5 calendar days for week-to-month terms, any time before the period ends for terms under a week. La. C.C. art. 2728
- Landlord entry notice
- No statute Official source
- Rent control / increase limits
- No statute — Louisiana has no state rent control law, and no city or parish is known to have adopted rent control; rent is set by the lease. No statute expressly addresses local rent control, but R.S. 9:3258 says lessors' rights may not be altered, abridged or diminished except by state law (subject to the police power). A 2026 bill to let municipalities adopt rent stabilization (HB 472) died in committee. La. R.S. 9:3258; 2026 Reg. Sess. HB 472 (involuntarily deferred 5/5/2026)
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23
Security Deposits in Louisiana
| Security deposit limit | No statutory cap The Lessee's Deposit Act (R.S. 9:3251-3254) regulates return and penalties but sets no maximum deposit amount. The Attorney General's tenant guide likewise describes deposits without any limit. Source: La. R.S. 9:3251-3254 |
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| Deposit return deadline | Within one month after the lease terminates. If the landlord keeps any part, the itemized statement is due within one month after the tenancy ends. As of Aug. 1, 2026, the landlord may instead send it within an additional 15 days after that one-month date. NEW 2026: Act 63 (HB 292) added the extra 15 days for the itemized statement only. The return deadline itself is still one month. The tenant must give the landlord a forwarding address when the lease ends. Under 9:3251(C), the return requirement does not apply if the tenant abandons the premises without required notice or before the lease ends. Act 63 digest: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1484270 |
| Itemized deductions | If any part of the deposit is kept for the tenant's default or unreasonable wear, the landlord must send an itemized statement of the amounts kept and the reasons. It is due within one month after the tenancy ends, or within an additional 15 days after that date (2026 amendment). Deductions are allowed only for the tenant's default or unreasonable wear. The AG guide says normal wear and tear is not deductible, and that cleaning clauses that deduct automatically regardless of condition may be invalid. Source: La. R.S. 9:3251(A) |
| Interest on deposits | No statutory requirement The Lessee's Deposit Act contains no interest requirement. Source: La. R.S. 9:3251-3254 |
| Penalty for withholding | For willful noncompliance, the tenant recovers the wrongfully kept amount plus $300 or twice the wrongfully kept amount, whichever is greater. Failing to refund within 30 days after the tenant's written demand counts as willful. The court may award costs and attorney's fees to the prevailing party. Fees statute: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=107470. Under R.S. 9:3254, any waiver of these tenant rights is null and void: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=107471. Suit may be filed in the parish of the landlord's domicile or where the property is located. CAUTION: the AG's 'Moving In, Moving Out' guide (2024 PDF) still says 'actual damages or $200', which is the pre-2019 text. The statute controls. |
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Eviction in Louisiana
| Notice for unpaid rent | Written notice to vacate giving at least 5 days from delivery. Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are not counted in a period this short, so in practice the tenant gets 5 business days. The lease may waive the notice, and many standard leases do. Louisiana has no pay-or-quit cure notice. When rent is unpaid, the landlord may dissolve the lease (C.C. art. 2704, https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109768) and deliver a 5-day notice to vacate. A written waiver in the lease lets the landlord file immediately (art. 4701). Art. 4701 says 'not less than five days'; under C.C.P. art. 5059(C)(3) legal holidays are excluded from any period of less than seven days (https://www.legis.la.gov/LEGIS/Law.aspx?d=112147), and R.S. 1:55(E) treats all Saturdays and Sundays as legal holidays for art. 5059 (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=74097). This matches Baton Rouge City Court's guidelines and the AG guide ('five (5) business days'). |
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| Notice for lease violations | Same 5-day written notice to vacate (waivable in the lease) once the lease is dissolved for the breach. No statutory cure period. Under C.C. art. 2686, if the tenant uses the property for an unleased purpose or in a way that may damage it, the landlord may get an injunction, dissolve the lease, and recover damages. Possession is then recovered with the art. 4701 notice to vacate: https://www.legis.la.gov/LEGIS/Law.aspx?d=112073 |
| Lockouts & utility shutoffs | Self-help eviction is not authorized. A landlord must use the court process (notice to vacate, rule to show cause, judgment, and a warrant executed by the sheriff, constable or marshal). The only exception is a reasonable belief that the tenant abandoned the premises. A landlord who locks out the tenant or removes belongings may be liable for wrongful-eviction damages. Art. 4731(B) allows retaking possession without further process only after the required notice and a reasonable belief of abandonment. Under art. 4731(C) (Acts 2022, No. 442), in parishes under a federal disaster declaration, leaving a residence is not treated as abandonment for 30 days. A landlord who violates that rule owes the residential tenant the greater of $500 or twice the monthly rent, and the tenant may get a TRO without bond. The AG guide confirms that lockouts and putting belongings on the street can create damages liability (https://aglizmurrill.com/Files/Shared/Documents/MovingInOut.pdf). No general statute specifically addressing landlord utility shutoffs was found. |
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Notice to Vacate in Louisiana
| Ending a month-to-month lease | Either party: written notice at least 10 calendar days before the end of the month. Other periods: 30 calendar days for terms longer than a month (e.g. year-to-year), 5 calendar days for week-to-month terms, any time before the period ends for terms under a week. The same notice period applies to landlord and tenant. A timely notice ends the lease at the end of the period it names, or else at the end of the first period for which it is timely. The AG guide says a lease with no stated duration is presumed month-to-month. For an indefinite-term lease, the termination notice also serves as the C.C.P. art. 4701 notice to vacate. Source: La. C.C. art. 2728 |
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Landlord Entry in Louisiana
| Landlord entry notice | No statute No Louisiana statute was found that sets a notice period for landlord entry, so entry is governed by the lease. Related rules: C.C. art. 2682 requires the landlord to protect the tenant's peaceful possession (https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109743), and C.C. art. 2690 bars the landlord from altering the premises during the lease. The AG guide says the tenant must allow necessary repairs that cannot wait until the lease ends. Source: Official source |
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Repairs & Habitability in Louisiana
| Repair and deduct | Allowed. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after the tenant's demand, the tenant may have them made. The tenant can then demand immediate reimbursement or deduct the cost from rent, to the extent the repair was necessary and the cost reasonable. The landlord must make all repairs that become necessary to keep the premises suitable for their purpose, except repairs the tenant owes (C.C. art. 2691: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109753). The statute sets no dollar cap. Make the demand in writing and keep receipts (AG guide). |
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| Withholding rent | No statutory rent-withholding/escrow procedure; the codified remedy is repair-and-deduct (C.C. art. 2694) No statute was found that lets a tenant withhold rent outright. Under C.C. art. 2704 (https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109768), unpaid rent lets the landlord dissolve the lease. The AG guide says a tenant facing serious ignored problems may end the lease, but warns this needs substantial proof and legal advice. Verify with legal aid before withholding. |
| Retaliation protection | No statewide statute identified. In New Orleans, the city's Healthy Homes ordinance protects tenants who use its complaint process ('protected activity'). No anti-retaliation provision was found in the Civil Code lease title, R.S. 9:3251-3259, or C.C.P. Title XI. Secondary sources (Loyola Pro Bono Desk Manual) say Louisiana has no statutory ban and that courts may treat retaliation as an abuse-of-rights defense. They also report New Orleans City Code secs. 26-680/26-681 (eff. July 1, 2023) with a 6-month presumption. |
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Rent Increases & Late Fees in Louisiana
| Rent control / increase limits | No statute — Louisiana has no state rent control law, and no city or parish is known to have adopted rent control; rent is set by the lease. No statute expressly addresses local rent control, but R.S. 9:3258 says lessors' rights may not be altered, abridged or diminished except by state law (subject to the police power). A 2026 bill to let municipalities adopt rent stabilization (HB 472) died in committee. Whether R.S. 9:3258 bars local rent control has not been decided by statute; it never mentions rent control. HB 472 history: https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26RS&b=HB472 |
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| Late fees | No statutory cap. A late fee can be charged only if the lease or an oral agreement provides for it. AG guide: 'The law sets no specific amount for late fees' and unreasonably high fees can be contested. Separately, for ORAL leases only, R.S. 9:3259 lets the landlord recover reasonable attorney fees for collecting past-due rent if it wins a judgment, after a 20-day written demand: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=107473 Source: No statute; AG tenant guide |
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Breaking a Lease in Louisiana
| Ending a lease: domestic violence | Domestic abuse, stalking, cyberstalking (R.S. 9:3261.1; applies only to buildings with 6+ units, excluding owner-occupied buildings of 10 or fewer units): the tenant must assert in writing that they or a household member are a domestic abuse victim and request early termination; provide 'reasonable documentation' (a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, or the statutory Certification of Domestic Abuse signed under oath by a qualified third party) of abuse on the premises within the past 30 days (for stalking/cyberstalking off-premises, a written declaration of why staying is a safety threat); commit in writing not to let the abuser access the unit; and, if asked, give the abuser's name and address. The landlord must then terminate the lease on a mutually agreed date within 30 days of the request; the tenant owes rent only through that date plus prior obligations, and the deposit may be withheld only as R.S. 9:3251 allows. Sexual assault (R.S. 9:3261.2, all leases): same process with documentation of a sexual assault in Louisiana within the past 60 days occurring after the lease was signed, using the statutory Certification of Sexual Assault or a protective order. R.S. 9:3261.2: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=1238736. Where there are multiple lessees, the whole lease ends on the agreed date. Effective date of Act 64 (2026) not separately confirmed, but the codified text already includes stalking. |
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Squatters & Abandoned Property in Louisiana
| Squatters / unauthorized occupants | No affidavit-based police removal statute was found. Criminal route: under the criminal trespass statute, a 'squatter' (anyone remaining on property without a right of possession, ownership, occupancy, or lease interest) commits trespass by remaining after a lawful possessor directs them to leave verbally, by written notice, or by posting conspicuous signage that the property is privately owned and trespass is prohibited. Penalties: first offense $100-$500 fine and/or up to 30 days; escalating for repeat offenses. Civil route: the owner delivers a written 5-day notice to vacate to the occupant and then files a summary eviction (rule to show cause); an occupant who stays more than 5 days after a proper notice to vacate also 'remains' unlawfully for trespass purposes. C.C.P. art. 4702: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=112074. 2024 bills (HB 850, HB 895) proposing sheriff removal on owner request and a 2025 bill (HB 262) were found in search but their enactment was not confirmed; the current R.S. 14:63 text still uses 'squatter'. Bills to add a sheriff/police removal process for unauthorized occupants (2024 HB 850 and HB 895; 2025 HB 262) died in committee. |
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| Belongings left behind | No statute — no Louisiana statute was found setting a notice, storage, or sale procedure for a tenant's belongings. After the required notice to vacate, the landlord may retake possession without further court process on a reasonable belief the tenant abandoned the premises (indicia: ending residential occupancy, returning keys, removing furnishings or other movables). In parishes under a federal disaster declaration, leaving the residence is not evidence of abandonment for 30 days after the declaration; violating that rule entitles the residential tenant to $500 or twice the monthly rent, whichever is greater. Disposal of belongings is otherwise governed by general civil-law liability; landlords should get legal advice before discarding property. Source: La. C.C.P. art. 4731(B)-(C) |
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Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel in Louisiana
| Section 8 / source of income | No statute — source of income is not a protected class under Louisiana's fair-housing law. The Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act bars rental discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, natural/protective/cultural hairstyle, and disability, but not source of income or housing vouchers. Check local ordinances. Federal fair-housing law also does not protect source of income. Source: La. R.S. 51:2606(A) |
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| Right to a lawyer in eviction | No statewide right to counsel in eviction cases was found in the Code of Civil Procedure eviction title. Only arts. 4701-4703 and 4731 were read. |
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Mold, Pests, Heat & AC in Louisiana
| Mold | No statute — Louisiana has no mold disclosure or remediation law. The Civil Code's general lessor duties apply. The lessor must maintain the property in a condition suitable for its leased purpose, make all necessary repairs during the lease (except those the lessee is responsible for), and warrant that it is free of vices or defects that prevent its use, including defects that arise later and defects unknown to the lessor. If the lessor fails to repair within a reasonable time after demand, the lessee may repair and deduct reasonable costs. Art. 2682: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109743. Art. 2691: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109753. A lessee who knows of a defect and fails to notify the lessor may have recovery reduced (art. 2697). Some cities have local rental housing codes (e.g., New Orleans' Healthy Homes ordinance) that may address moisture or mold. |
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| Pests & bed bugs | No statute — no state law specifically assigns pest or bed bug treatment or requires disclosure. Infestations are handled under the lessor's general duties to maintain the property in suitable condition, make necessary repairs, and warrant against vices and defects. The lessee must repair damage caused by their own fault or that of people on the premises with their consent. Who pays for treatment often depends on whether the infestation is a 'vice or defect' or was caused by the lessee. The lease and local codes may allocate this. |
| Heat | No statute — Louisiana law sets no minimum indoor temperature or heating season. If heating is part of the leased premises, the lessor's general duty to maintain the property in a condition suitable for its leased purpose and to make necessary repairs applies. Local housing codes may set heating standards. |
| Air conditioning | No statute — Louisiana does not require landlords to provide air conditioning or set a maximum indoor temperature. If AC is provided as part of the lease, the general maintenance and repair duty applies. Whether a broken air conditioner makes the property unsuitable for its leased purpose is decided case by case. Source: La. C.C. arts. 2682, 2691 |
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Privacy, Guests & Animals in Louisiana
| Cameras & privacy | No landlord-specific statute. Video voyeurism is a crime. It means using any camera or image-recording device, including a drone, to observe, photograph or film a person without consent to that specific instance, either for a lewd or lascivious purpose or in certain intimate circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Recording conversations is lawful if the person recording is a party or one party gave prior consent, unless it is done to commit a crime, tort or other injurious act. R.S. 15:1303: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=78938. R.S. 14:283 was amended in 2026 (Act No. 424, HB 265); check current text for penalties. Louisiana has no statute on landlord entry; the lease and the lessor's duty to protect peaceful possession (C.C. art. 2682(3)) apply. |
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| Guests & occupants | No statute on guests versus tenants or occupancy limits — the lease governs. Under the Civil Code, the lessee has the right to sublease and assign unless the lease expressly prohibits it. A lease clause prohibiting one of these is deemed to prohibit the others unless a contrary intent is expressed, and otherwise is construed strictly against the lessor. The lessee is responsible for damage caused by people on the premises with the lessee's consent. Art. 2713 was amended by Acts 2026, No. 240. Occupancy limits may come from local codes. Source: La. C.C. arts. 2713, 2692 |
| Service & support animals (state law) | The Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (2024) sets strict rules for support-animal documentation. A health care provider may issue documentation only if licensed in Louisiana (or through a licensure compact) and qualified to diagnose disabilities, and only after a disability assessment. The provider must have a therapeutic relationship of at least 30 days and at least 2 sessions (in person or remote), and must do a clinical evaluation at least 30 days before. The letter must show its effective date, the provider's license number and license type. Online letter mills don't qualify. Individuals may not falsely claim a disability-related need for a support animal or misrepresent an animal as a service dog to a residential landlord. Fines are up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second and $2,500 for later offenses. Sellers of support animals or certificates must give written notices. The Act doesn't limit fair housing accommodation rights. Text verified from the enrolled act. Its stated purpose includes immunity for residential owners and lessors from liability for injuries caused by support animals and service dogs, but no immunity section appears in the enrolled text read. Federal Fair Housing Act rules (no pet fees or deposits for assistance animals) still apply (R.S. 46:1978). |
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How eviction works in Louisiana
Eviction cases are heard in: Justice of the peace court, city court or parish court where the property is located; district courts also have jurisdiction.
- Lease ends (expiration, termination notice, nonpayment, or other breach)
- Landlord delivers a written notice to vacate giving at least 5 days from delivery (C.C.P. art. 4701), unless the lease waives the notice. If the premises are abandoned or the tenant cannot be found, the notice may be posted on the door (art. 4703).
- If the tenant stays, the landlord files a rule to show cause why possession should not be delivered, stating the grounds (art. 4731)
- Hearing set no earlier than the 3rd day after service of the rule (art. 4732(A))
- Judgment of eviction issued immediately if the landlord prevails or the tenant fails to appear; effective for at least 90 days (art. 4732(B))
- If the tenant has not vacated within 24 hours after judgment, the court issues a warrant for possession (art. 4733)
- Sheriff, constable or marshal executes the warrant with two witnesses and may force entry if necessary (art. 4734)
Hearing no earlier than the third day after service. To suspend the eviction on appeal, the tenant must, within 24 hours after the judgment, have answered under oath, pleaded an affirmative defense entitling them to stay, applied for the appeal, and posted bond (art. 4735).
Source: La. C.C.P. arts. 4701-4735
What surprises people about Louisiana rental law
- Act 63 of 2026 (HB 292), effective Aug. 1, 2026, gives landlords an extra 15 days (one month + 15 days) to send the itemized deposit deduction statement (legis.la.gov R.S. 9:3251 and Act 63 digest)
- Many Louisiana leases waive the 5-day notice to vacate, which lets the landlord file for eviction as soon as the right to occupy ends (C.C.P. art. 4701)
- Eviction can be very fast: hearing as early as the 3rd day after service, and a warrant for possession 24 hours after judgment (C.C.P. arts. 4732-4733)
- To suspend an eviction on appeal, the tenant must act within 24 hours of judgment, having answered under oath and pleaded an affirmative defense (C.C.P. art. 4735)
- Deposit penalty requires 'willful' failure, and not refunding within 30 days after a written demand counts as willful, so tenants should send a written demand (R.S. 9:3252)
- Month-to-month notice is only 10 calendar days before the end of the month, for both landlord and tenant (C.C. art. 2728)
- In parishes under a federal disaster declaration, a residence cannot be treated as abandoned for 30 days. A landlord who violates this owes the greater of $500 or 2x monthly rent (C.C.P. art. 4731(C), added 2022)
- Repair-and-deduct is in the Civil Code itself, with no dollar cap, limited to necessary repairs at reasonable cost (C.C. art. 2694)
- Any waiver of deposit-act rights in a lease is null and void (R.S. 9:3254)
Federal law that also applies in Louisiana
These federal rules apply on top of Louisiana law, mostly to discrimination, servicemembers, survivors and federally assisted housing:
- Fair Housing Act: protected classes, covered housing and exemptions: Save every listing, text and email. A discriminatory ad is illegal even when the landlord's unit is otherwise exempt. More
- Assistance animals (service and emotional support animals) in housing: Ask for the accommodation in writing, keep a copy, and if a disability or the need for the animal is not obvious, offer reliable documentation of it. More
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: ending a lease early: Deliver the notice and orders by a method you can prove, such as certified mail with return receipt, and keep copies. More
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: eviction protection: Tell the court in writing that you or your spouse are on active duty and ask for an SCRA stay. More
- VAWA housing protections: Ask the landlord or housing authority for its VAWA emergency transfer plan and request a transfer in writing. More
- CARES Act 30-day notice to vacate (covered dwellings): If your building has a federally backed mortgage or federal subsidy and you received less than 30 days' notice to vacate, raise the CARES Act as a defense. More
- HUD 30-day nonpayment notice (public housing and project-based Section 8): If you pay the full amount listed in the notice within 30 days, the landlord cannot file for eviction over that rent. More
- Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) basics for private landlords: If a voucher landlord asks for 'side payments' above your share of the rent, refuse and report it to your PHA. More
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing): If your pre-1978 lease came with no lead disclosure form and pamphlet, ask for them in writing before signing. More
- FCRA tenant screening: adverse action notices and disputes: Request your free report from the screening company within 60 days of a denial and dispute any errors in writing with supporting documents. More
- Rental 'junk fee' rulemaking and enforcement (FTC/CFPB): Before paying an application fee, ask in writing for the total monthly cost including every mandatory fee. More
- Federal eviction moratoria: Check your state and city rules, since any eviction pause now comes from local, not federal, law. More
City rules in Louisiana
These cities add their own tenant protections on top of state law:
Eviction by county in Louisiana
Which court hears evictions, filing fees, local rent levels and help:
- Eviction in Orleans Parish (New Orleans)
- Eviction in East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge)
- Eviction in Jefferson Parish (Metairie)
- Eviction in Caddo Parish (Shreveport)
- Eviction in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette)
For landlords
How to evict a tenant in Louisiana — steps, cost, timeline and forms.
Common Louisiana questions
- Can a landlord enter without notice or permission?
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- Can a landlord evict you without going to court, change the locks or shut off utilities?
- Can I withhold rent for repairs?
- How long does an eviction take?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before an eviction?
- Can a landlord raise the rent in the middle of a lease?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give to end a lease or not renew?
- How much can a landlord charge for a late fee?
- Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- How long does a landlord have to sue for unpaid rent or damages?
- Can a landlord accept rent during an eviction?
- Can you be evicted in the winter?
- Can a landlord give an eviction notice by text or email?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent?
- Does a landlord have to give you a copy of the lease?
- What happens to tenants if the landlord goes into foreclosure?
- How long does a landlord have to keep a tenant's belongings?
- How do you remove a squatter?
- How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee?
- What rental fees are illegal (junk fees)?
- Can I break my lease because of domestic violence?
- Can I break my lease for military orders, medical reasons or a death?
- Can a landlord refuse Section 8?
- Can an eviction be removed from your record?
- Do tenants get a free lawyer for an eviction?
- What are my rights without a written lease?
- Does a landlord have to fix mold?
- Who pays for pest control and bed bugs in a rental?
- Does a landlord have to provide heat?
- Does a landlord have to provide air conditioning?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
- Can a landlord put cameras in or around a rental?
- Can a landlord limit overnight guests or roommates?
- Can a landlord deny a service or emotional support animal?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason?
Free calculators
- Notice Deadline Calculator
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator
- Late Fee Checker
- Rent Increase Calculator
How Louisiana compares to neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Notice for unpaid rent |
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| Louisiana | No statutory cap La. R.S. 9:3251-3254 | Within one month after the lease terminates. If the landlord keeps any part, the itemized statement is due within one month after the tenancy ends. As of Aug. 1, 2026, the landlord may instead send it within an additional 15 days after that one-month date. La. R.S. 9:3251(A), as amended by Acts 2026, No. 63 (HB 292), eff. Aug. 1, 2026 | Written notice to vacate giving at least 5 days from delivery. Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are not counted in a period this short, so in practice the tenant gets 5 business days. The lease may waive the notice, and many standard leases do. La. C.C.P. arts. 4701, 5059(C)(3); La. R.S. 1:55(E); La. C.C. art. 2704 |
| Arkansas | Two months' rent. Example: with rent of $500, the maximum deposit is $1,000. The deposit rules apply only to landlords who rent six or more dwellings. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-16-303, 18-16-304 | Within 60 days after the tenant moves out. Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305 | For a civil unlawful detainer, the landlord must give three days' written notice to vacate before filing. Ark. Code Ann. § 18-60-304 |
| Mississippi | No statutory cap. § 89-8-21 governs how deposits are held and returned but sets no maximum amount. Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21 | Within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession, and the tenant demands return. Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-21(3) | 3 days. The landlord may give written notice (or email/text, if the tenant agreed in writing to be notified that way) that the rental agreement will end if the rent is not paid within three days. Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-13(5)(a) |
| Texas | No statutory cap. Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92, subch. C (92.101-92.113) | On or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.103(a) | At least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing, unless the written lease provides a shorter or longer period. For a tenant evicted solely for nonpayment who was not delinquent before the month of the notice, the notice must be a notice to pay rent or vacate. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 24.005(a) |
Louisiana landlord-tenant FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Louisiana?
No statutory cap (La. R.S. 9:3251-3254)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?
Within one month after the lease terminates. If the landlord keeps any part, the itemized statement is due within one month after the tenancy ends. As of Aug. 1, 2026, the landlord may instead send it within an additional 15 days after that one-month date. (La. R.S. 9:3251(A), as amended by Acts 2026, No. 63 (HB 292), eff. Aug. 1, 2026)
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Louisiana?
No statutory requirement (La. R.S. 9:3251-3254)
Does a landlord in Louisiana have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
If any part of the deposit is kept for the tenant's default or unreasonable wear, the landlord must send an itemized statement of the amounts kept and the reasons. It is due within one month after the tenancy ends, or within an additional 15 days after that date (2026 amendment). (La. R.S. 9:3251(A))
What happens if a landlord in Louisiana wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
For willful noncompliance, the tenant recovers the wrongfully kept amount plus $300 or twice the wrongfully kept amount, whichever is greater. Failing to refund within 30 days after the tenant's written demand counts as willful. The court may award costs and attorney's fees to the prevailing party. (La. R.S. 9:3252 (as amended by Acts 2018, No. 416, eff. Jan. 1, 2019); La. R.S. 9:3253; La. R.S. 9:3254 (waiver void))
How much notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Louisiana?
Written notice to vacate giving at least 5 days from delivery. Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are not counted in a period this short, so in practice the tenant gets 5 business days. The lease may waive the notice, and many standard leases do. (La. C.C.P. arts. 4701, 5059(C)(3); La. R.S. 1:55(E); La. C.C. art. 2704)
How much notice is required to evict for a lease violation in Louisiana?
Same 5-day written notice to vacate (waivable in the lease) once the lease is dissolved for the breach. No statutory cure period. (La. C.C. art. 2686; La. C.C.P. art. 4701)
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Louisiana?
Either party: written notice at least 10 calendar days before the end of the month. Other periods: 30 calendar days for terms longer than a month (e.g. year-to-year), 5 calendar days for week-to-month terms, any time before the period ends for terms under a week. (La. C.C. art. 2728)
Can a landlord enter without notice in Louisiana?
No statute
Is there a limit on late fees in Louisiana?
No statutory cap. A late fee can be charged only if the lease or an oral agreement provides for it. (No statute; AG tenant guide)
Can a tenant repair and deduct from rent in Louisiana?
Allowed. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after the tenant's demand, the tenant may have them made. The tenant can then demand immediate reimbursement or deduct the cost from rent, to the extent the repair was necessary and the cost reasonable. (La. C.C. art. 2694 (with arts. 2682, 2691))
Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Louisiana?
No statutory rent-withholding/escrow procedure; the codified remedy is repair-and-deduct (C.C. art. 2694) (La. C.C. art. 2694; La. C.C. art. 2704)
Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining in Louisiana?
No statewide statute identified. In New Orleans, the city's Healthy Homes ordinance protects tenants who use its complaint process ('protected activity'). (New Orleans Healthy Homes Ordinance (City Code ch. 26))
Is there rent control or a limit on rent increases in Louisiana?
No statute — Louisiana has no state rent control law, and no city or parish is known to have adopted rent control; rent is set by the lease. No statute expressly addresses local rent control, but R.S. 9:3258 says lessors' rights may not be altered, abridged or diminished except by state law (subject to the police power). A 2026 bill to let municipalities adopt rent stabilization (HB 472) died in committee. (La. R.S. 9:3258; 2026 Reg. Sess. HB 472 (involuntarily deferred 5/5/2026))
Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Louisiana?
Self-help eviction is not authorized. A landlord must use the court process (notice to vacate, rule to show cause, judgment, and a warrant executed by the sheriff, constable or marshal). The only exception is a reasonable belief that the tenant abandoned the premises. A landlord who locks out the tenant or removes belongings may be liable for wrongful-eviction damages. (La. C.C.P. arts. 4701, 4731-4734; La. C.C. art. 2682)
What is the small claims court limit in Louisiana for a deposit dispute?
$5,000 in justice of the peace courts and in city-court small claims divisions (excluding interest, costs, attorney fees and penalties) (La. C.C.P. art. 4911; La. R.S. 13:5202(A))
How do you remove a squatter in Louisiana?
No affidavit-based police removal statute was found. Criminal route: under the criminal trespass statute, a 'squatter' (anyone remaining on property without a right of possession, ownership, occupancy, or lease interest) commits trespass by remaining after a lawful possessor directs them to leave verbally, by written notice, or by posting conspicuous signage that the property is privately owned and trespass is prohibited. Penalties: first offense $100-$500 fine and/or up to 30 days; escalating for repeat offenses. Civil route: the owner delivers a written 5-day notice to vacate to the occupant and then files a summary eviction (rule to show cause); an occupant who stays more than 5 days after a proper notice to vacate also 'remains' unlawfully for trespass purposes. (La. R.S. 14:63(C)(2)(a)(i)-(ii), (b), (G); La. C.C.P. arts. 4702, 4731)
What can a landlord do with a tenant's abandoned property in Louisiana?
No statute — no Louisiana statute was found setting a notice, storage, or sale procedure for a tenant's belongings. After the required notice to vacate, the landlord may retake possession without further court process on a reasonable belief the tenant abandoned the premises (indicia: ending residential occupancy, returning keys, removing furnishings or other movables). In parishes under a federal disaster declaration, leaving the residence is not evidence of abandonment for 30 days after the declaration; violating that rule entitles the residential tenant to $500 or twice the monthly rent, whichever is greater. (La. C.C.P. art. 4731(B)-(C))
Can a domestic violence survivor break a lease in Louisiana?
Domestic abuse, stalking, cyberstalking (R.S. 9:3261.1; applies only to buildings with 6+ units, excluding owner-occupied buildings of 10 or fewer units): the tenant must assert in writing that they or a household member are a domestic abuse victim and request early termination; provide 'reasonable documentation' (a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, or the statutory Certification of Domestic Abuse signed under oath by a qualified third party) of abuse on the premises within the past 30 days (for stalking/cyberstalking off-premises, a written declaration of why staying is a safety threat); commit in writing not to let the abuser access the unit; and, if asked, give the abuser's name and address. The landlord must then terminate the lease on a mutually agreed date within 30 days of the request; the tenant owes rent only through that date plus prior obligations, and the deposit may be withheld only as R.S. 9:3251 allows. Sexual assault (R.S. 9:3261.2, all leases): same process with documentation of a sexual assault in Louisiana within the past 60 days occurring after the lease was signed, using the statutory Certification of Sexual Assault or a protective order. (La. R.S. 9:3261.1(E)-(F) (as amended by Acts 2026, No. 64 to add stalking/cyberstalking); La. R.S. 9:3261.2(B)-(D))
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 vouchers in Louisiana?
No statute — source of income is not a protected class under Louisiana's fair-housing law. The Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act bars rental discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, natural/protective/cultural hairstyle, and disability, but not source of income or housing vouchers. Check local ordinances. (La. R.S. 51:2606(A))
Do tenants have a right to a free lawyer in eviction cases in Louisiana?
No statewide right to counsel in eviction cases was found in the Code of Civil Procedure eviction title. (La. C.C.P. arts. 4701-4735 (checked in part))
What does a Louisiana notice to pay rent or quit have to include?
There is no pay-or-quit cure notice. Once the lease ends or the lessee's right of occupancy ceases for nonpayment or any other reason, the landlord must have a written notice to vacate delivered to the tenant allowing not less than 5 days from delivery to vacate. The tenant may waive this notice in a written lease clause, letting the landlord file immediately. If the premises are abandoned or closed or the tenant's whereabouts are unknown, the notice may be attached to a door of the premises. The eviction rule to show cause must state the grounds. (La. C.C.P. arts. 4701, 4703, 4731(A))
What does a Louisiana notice to end a month-to-month tenancy have to include?
A month-to-month lease is ended by notice given at least 10 calendar days before the end of the month; it ends at the end of the period stated (or the first period for which notice is timely). Weekly-to-under-monthly terms: 5 calendar days; terms longer than a month: 30 calendar days. For a lease with no definite term, this termination notice also serves as the C.C.P. art. 4701 notice to vacate, which must be written and delivered to the tenant. For fixed-term leases, a notice to vacate may be given no more than 30 days before the term expires. (La. C.C. art. 2728; La. C.C.P. art. 4701)
What must a Louisiana security deposit itemization include?
The deposit must be returned within one month after the lease ends. If any part is kept (only what is reasonably necessary to remedy the tenant's default or unreasonable wear), the landlord must forward an itemized statement accounting for the amounts retained and giving the reasons, within one month after the tenancy ends or within 15 days after that one-month date. The tenant must give the landlord a forwarding address at lease end for the statement. The return rule does not apply if the tenant abandons the premises without required notice or before the lease ends. (La. R.S. 9:3251(A), (C) (as amended by Acts 2026, No. 63))
How long does a landlord have to sue for unpaid rent in Louisiana?
3 years ('liberative prescription') for an action for arrearages of rent, running separately from each installment's due date. Other lease claims, such as property damage or breach of other lease obligations, generally fall under the 10-year personal-action period. The same rules apply to written and oral leases. (La. C.C. arts. 3494(2), 3495, 3499)
Can a landlord accept rent during an eviction in Louisiana?
No statute addresses whether accepting rent after a notice to vacate waives the eviction; Louisiana courts decide this under case law. By statute, the tenant may waive the 5-day notice to vacate in advance through a written lease clause, letting the landlord file immediately once the right of occupancy ends. (La. C.C.P. art. 4701; C.C. lease articles and C.C.P. arts. 4701-4732 checked)
Can you be evicted in the winter in Louisiana?
No state statute limits evictions or utility shutoffs in cold weather. (La. C.C.P. arts. 4701-4732 (no seasonal limit))
Can a landlord give notice by text or email in Louisiana?
Notices of termination for residential leases must be in writing. The notice to vacate must be 'delivered' to the tenant, giving at least 5 days to leave; the statute does not list methods or address email/text. If the premises are abandoned or closed, or the tenant's whereabouts are unknown, notices and court papers may be attached to a door of the premises. For the oral-lease attorney-fee demand, delivery may be by certified mail to the last known address, personal delivery, or tacking on the door. (La. C.C. art. 2729; C.C.P. arts. 4701, 4703; La. R.S. 9:3259(B))
How much notice is required for a rent increase in Louisiana?
No statute sets a rent-increase notice period. A month-to-month lease can be ended (and so its rent changed) with written notice at least 10 calendar days before the end of the month. A lease measured by a period longer than a month needs 30 days, and week-to-month periods need 5 days. A fixed-term lease controls until it expires. (La. C.C. arts. 2728, 2729)
What are tenants' rights in a foreclosure in Louisiana?
No state tenant-specific foreclosure protection was found. Under the Civil Code, a lessor's transfer does not end the lease between lessor and tenant, but a third person who acquires an immovable subject to an UNRECORDED lease is not bound by it. The tenant's remedy is a damages claim against the old landlord (unless the lease says otherwise). A lease has effect against third persons only once filed for registry. Federal PTFA 90-day notice protections apply separately in foreclosures. (La. C.C. arts. 2711, 2712, 2681.1 (as revised by Acts 2026, No. 240, eff. Aug. 1, 2026))
Does a landlord have to fix mold in Louisiana?
No statute — Louisiana has no mold disclosure or remediation law. The Civil Code's general lessor duties apply. The lessor must maintain the property in a condition suitable for its leased purpose, make all necessary repairs during the lease (except those the lessee is responsible for), and warrant that it is free of vices or defects that prevent its use, including defects that arise later and defects unknown to the lessor. If the lessor fails to repair within a reasonable time after demand, the lessee may repair and deduct reasonable costs. (La. C.C. arts. 2682(2), 2691, 2696, 2697, 2694)
Who pays for pest control and bed bugs in Louisiana?
No statute — no state law specifically assigns pest or bed bug treatment or requires disclosure. Infestations are handled under the lessor's general duties to maintain the property in suitable condition, make necessary repairs, and warrant against vices and defects. The lessee must repair damage caused by their own fault or that of people on the premises with their consent. (La. C.C. arts. 2682, 2691, 2692, 2696)
Does a landlord have to provide heat in Louisiana?
No statute — Louisiana law sets no minimum indoor temperature or heating season. If heating is part of the leased premises, the lessor's general duty to maintain the property in a condition suitable for its leased purpose and to make necessary repairs applies. (La. C.C. arts. 2682, 2691 (Civil Code lease-obligation articles 2682-2698 checked))
Does a landlord have to provide air conditioning in Louisiana?
No statute — Louisiana does not require landlords to provide air conditioning or set a maximum indoor temperature. If AC is provided as part of the lease, the general maintenance and repair duty applies. (La. C.C. arts. 2682, 2691)
What can a landlord deduct from a deposit for cleaning or damage in Louisiana?
The landlord may keep any part of the deposit reasonably necessary to remedy a tenant's default or 'unreasonable wear' to the premises, with an itemized statement of reasons. Under the Civil Code, the lessee must return the property in the same condition as delivered, except for normal wear and tear. The lessee must also repair damage caused by their fault, or that of people on the premises with their consent, and deterioration beyond normal or agreed use. Neither law defines wear and tear or specifically addresses cleaning, painting or carpet. (La. R.S. 9:3251(A); La. C.C. arts. 2683(3), 2692)
Can a landlord put cameras in or around a rental in Louisiana?
No landlord-specific statute. Video voyeurism is a crime. It means using any camera or image-recording device, including a drone, to observe, photograph or film a person without consent to that specific instance, either for a lewd or lascivious purpose or in certain intimate circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Recording conversations is lawful if the person recording is a party or one party gave prior consent, unless it is done to commit a crime, tort or other injurious act. (La. R.S. 14:283(A); La. R.S. 15:1303(C)(4))
Can a landlord limit guests or roommates in Louisiana?
No statute on guests versus tenants or occupancy limits — the lease governs. Under the Civil Code, the lessee has the right to sublease and assign unless the lease expressly prohibits it. A lease clause prohibiting one of these is deemed to prohibit the others unless a contrary intent is expressed, and otherwise is construed strictly against the lessor. The lessee is responsible for damage caused by people on the premises with the lessee's consent. (La. C.C. arts. 2713, 2692)
Can a landlord deny a service or emotional support animal in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Support and Service Animal Integrity Act (2024) sets strict rules for support-animal documentation. A health care provider may issue documentation only if licensed in Louisiana (or through a licensure compact) and qualified to diagnose disabilities, and only after a disability assessment. The provider must have a therapeutic relationship of at least 30 days and at least 2 sessions (in person or remote), and must do a clinical evaluation at least 30 days before. The letter must show its effective date, the provider's license number and license type. Online letter mills don't qualify. Individuals may not falsely claim a disability-related need for a support animal or misrepresent an animal as a service dog to a residential landlord. Fines are up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second and $2,500 for later offenses. Sellers of support animals or certificates must give written notices. The Act doesn't limit fair housing accommodation rights. (La. R.S. 46:1971-1978 (Acts 2024, No. 558, HB 407))
Official resources for Louisiana
- Louisiana Attorney General: Moving In, Moving Out (landlord-tenant guide)
- Louisiana Attorney General: A Guide to Louisiana Justice of the Peace Courts
- Baton Rouge City Court: Eviction Procedure Guidelines (11-26-24)
- East Baton Rouge Parish: Justice of the Peace small claims
- City of New Orleans: Healthy Homes (rental registry and tenant complaints)
- La. R.S. 9:3251 (Lessee's Deposit Act)
- La. C.C.P. art. 4701 (notice to vacate)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.