Louisiana Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Louisiana facts

Security deposit 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. La. R.S. 9:3251(A), as amended by Acts 2026, No. 63 (HB 292), eff. Aug. 1, 2026

Eviction 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. La. C.C.P. arts. 4701, 5059(C)(3); La. R.S. 1:55(E); La. C.C. art. 2704

Small claims limit

$5,000 in justice of the peace courts and in city-court small claims divisions, not counting interest, court costs, attorney fees or penalties. La. C.C.P. art. 4911; La. R.S. 13:5202(A)

Small estate affidavit

A 'small succession' is the estate of a Louisiana resident whose property had a gross value of $200,000 or less at death (for a non-resident, Louisiana property of $125,000 or less), or of a person who died at least 20… La. Code Civ. Proc. arts. 3421, 3431, 3432, 3434

Cost of a protective order

You do not have to prepay, and cannot be charged, court costs or the cost of service or subpoenas to file the petition or get a TRO or protective order. La. R.S. 46:2134(F)-(G); 46:2136.1

Minimum wage

Louisiana has no state minimum wage law. Employers covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act must pay the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table; La. R.S. 23:642

Final paycheck if fired

Wages due must be paid by the next regular payday or within 15 days of the discharge, whichever comes first. Payment may be mailed. La. R.S. 23:631(A)(1)(a)

Time limit to sue on a debt

10 years for most contract claims ('personal actions'), whether the contract is written or oral, unless a shorter period applies. La. C.C. art. 3499; art. 3494