Louisiana Security Deposit Laws

Louisiana has no statutory cap on security deposits and requires landlords to return deposits within one month of the tenant vacating, along with an itemized statement of deductions.

Key Rules

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
$300 or twice the wrongfully withheld amount, whichever is greater (no attorney-fee provision in this section)

Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.

Applicable Statutes

La. R.S. § 9:3251

Security deposit return: landlord must return the security deposit, with an itemized statement of deductions, within one month after the tenant vacates.

Source confirmed · Official state source

View archived excerpt
“…on Other Sessions House Committees Senate Committees Miscellaneous Committees Scheduled Meetings Representatives Senators Caucuses and Delegations RS 9:3251 PART IV. LESSEE'S DEPOSIT §3251. Lessee's deposit to secure lease; retention by lessor; conveyance of leased premises; itemized statement by lessor A…”

La. R.S. § 9:3252

Penalty for wrongful withholding: if a landlord willfully fails to comply with the deposit-return requirement, the tenant may recover the wrongfully withheld portion of the deposit plus $300 or twice the wrongfully retained amount, whichever is greater. Failure to remit within 30 days after written demand is willful failure.

Not confirmed against its source · checked

Legal Aid Resources

Southeast Louisiana Legal Services

504-529-1000

Southeast Louisiana including New Orleans

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