Louisiana Tenant Rights
Louisiana's landlord-tenant law is governed primarily by the Civil Code (La.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- 5 days written notice for month-to-month (rule for possession)
- Just Cause Required:
- No statewide just-cause requirement
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- Louisiana does not have a standard cure period; nonpayment requires 5-day notice
- Eviction Process:
- Rule for possession filed in district court; moves quickly in Louisiana
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- No statutory cap on security deposits
- Return Deadline:
- 30 days (one month) after tenant vacates
- Interest Required:
- No
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement required
- Penalty For Wrongful Withholding:
- Up to $500 penalty plus reasonable attorney fees
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Yes — Civil Code allows repair and demand reimbursement after landlord failure
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may seek rent reduction (diminution) or lease dissolution for habitable failures
- Habitability Standard:
- Suitable for the purpose for which it was leased; free from vices/defects
- Notice Required:
- Tenant must make demand to landlord before exercising repair remedies
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- Self-help eviction prohibited; no specific anti-harassment or anti-retaliation statute
- Penalties:
- Tenant may seek injunctive relief and damages for unlawful lockouts or utility shutoffs
- Self Help Prohibited:
- Yes — landlord must use court process to evict
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- Reasonable notice required (no specific hours defined in Louisiana statutes)
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without notice in emergency situations
- Common Law Standard:
- 24 hours is generally considered reasonable notice in Louisiana practice
- Time Of Entry:
- Must be at a reasonable time
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.