Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Louisiana

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Louisiana law says

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)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	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. R.S. 9:3251 was amended by Acts 2026, No. 63. Art. 2683: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109744. Art. 2692: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109754. Source: La. R.S. 9:3251(A); La. C.C. arts. 2683(3), 2692

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)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

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.

R.S. 9:3251 was amended by Acts 2026, No. 63. Art. 2683: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109744. Art. 2692: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109754.

Source: La. R.S. 9:3251(A); La. C.C. arts. 2683(3), 2692

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Louisiana tenant rights

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.