Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Louisiana is the only state whose landlord-tenant law comes from its Civil Code, so leases here are governed by articles 2668–2729 rather than a uniform act. Tenants get a 5-day notice to vacate before an eviction, and deposits are due back within one month.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Louisiana?
A Louisiana landlord has one month after the lease ends to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of the amounts kept.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | One month |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | La. R.S. 9:3251 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not cap rent increases; the lease terms control, and a month-to-month lease can be ended or changed with 10 days’ notice.
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Statute Reference | La. Civ. Code art. 2728 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Louisiana
A Louisiana eviction requires a 5-day written notice to vacate, which a tenant can waive in the lease.
| Non-Payment Notice | 5 days (can be waived in the lease) |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 10 days |
| Statute Reference | La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701; La. Civ. Code art. 2728 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Louisiana?
Louisiana has no statute on landlord entry; the lease sets the terms.
| Notice Required | No statutory period; follow the lease |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
What Must a Louisiana Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Louisiana?
Under the Civil Code, a Louisiana landlord must deliver the property in good condition and make all repairs necessary to keep it suitable for its purpose.
What Louisiana landlords must maintain
- • Deliver the property in good condition, free of vices or defects
- • Make repairs needed to keep it suitable for its purpose (La. Civ. Code art. 2691)
What a Louisiana tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct reasonable costs after the landlord fails to act on notice
- • Dissolve the lease or seek a rent reduction
| Repair & Deduct | Yes, reasonable cost of necessary repairs (La. Civ. Code art. 2694) |
| Statute Reference | La. Civ. Code arts. 2682, 2691, 2694 |