Louisiana Repair & Habitability Laws
Louisiana's Civil Code imposes a duty on landlords to keep leased premises in a condition suitable for the intended purpose.
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Key Rules
- 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
Applicable Statutes
Lessor's obligation to maintain: lessor (landlord) is obligated to maintain the thing leased in a condition suitable for the purpose for which it was leased and to make all repairs necessary to keep it in that condition.
La. Civ. Code art. 2694
Repair by lessee: if lessor fails to make necessary repairs after demand, lessee may make them and demand reimbursement, or may claim reduction of rent, or may dissolve the lease.
Legal Aid Resources
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