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.
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
Source confirmed . Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
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.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“Art. 2691. Lessor's obligation for repairs During the lease, the lessor is bound to make all repairs that become necessary to maintain the thing in a condition…”
Lessee's right to make repairs: if the lessor fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after the lessee's demand, the lessee may cause them to be made and may demand immediate reimbursement or apply the amount to rent, to the extent the repair was necessary and the amount reasonable.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“Art. 2694. Lessee's right to make repairs If the lessor fails to perform his obligation to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after demand by the…”
Legal Aid Resources
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