Louisiana Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Louisiana security deposit demand letter that follows Louisiana law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Louisiana law says
| 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. |
|---|---|
| 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). Source: La. R.S. 9:3251(A) |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under La. R.S. 9:3251(A), as amended by Acts 2026, No. 63 (HB 292), eff. Aug. 1, 2026, a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by 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).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.