Louisiana Residential Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview
A thorough guide to Louisiana residential landlord-tenant laws, covering lease agreements, evictions, security deposits, and the Louisiana Civil Code.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Louisiana Residential Landlord-Tenant Laws: A Overview
Unlike the other 49 U.S. states, which heavily rely on English common law, Louisiana operates under a unique civil law system heavily influenced by French and Spanish legal traditions. Effective since Louisiana's statehood on April 30, 1812, the state's legal framework for property is primarily codified in the Louisiana Civil Code.
Overall, Louisiana is considered a highly landlord-friendly state. It places very few statutory restrictions on property owners regarding rent amounts, security deposits, and late fees, allowing the lease agreement to serve as the primary governing document for the tenancy. Furthermore, Louisiana has one of the fastest eviction processes in the country.
Official Law Citation: The rules and regulations outlined on this page are officially summarized under the Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2668+ and RS Title 9.
Security Deposits
Louisiana does not impose a maximum limit on how much a landlord can charge for a residential security deposit. However, landlords must adhere to strict rules when returning the deposit after the tenant vacates.
- Limit: None (though 1 to 2 months' rent is standard).
- Return Deadline: The landlord must return the deposit (or an itemized list of deductions) within one month after the lease terminates per La. RS 9:3251. Louisiana law specifies "one month" (a calendar month) rather than a fixed 30-day period.
- Exceptions: Per La. RS 9:3251(C), the return and itemization requirements do not apply if the tenant abandons the premises without required notice or prior to lease termination.
See our Security Deposits guide.
The Eviction Process
The eviction process in Louisiana is remarkably swift compared to most other jurisdictions.
- The 5-Day Notice: Once a tenant's right of occupancy has ceased (e.g., after the lease terminates or is cancelled due to non-payment or lease violations), the landlord issues a 5-Day Notice to Vacate prior to filing for eviction, as required by CCP Art. 4701. Per La. CCP Art. 5059, because the period is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are excluded from the count.
- Waiver of Notice: Uniquely in Louisiana, the lease agreement can include a clause where the tenant explicitly waives their right to the 5-day notice. If this clause is in the lease, the landlord can file for eviction the moment the tenant defaults, without any prior warning.
- Petition of Eviction: If the tenant does not leave, the landlord files a Rule for Eviction in the appropriate City Court, Justice of the Peace Court, or District Court, leading to a rapid court hearing.
See our Eviction Process guide.
Rent Increases and Late Fees
- Rent Increases: Louisiana has no rent control laws at the state or local level. Landlords can increase rent by any amount. For month-to-month leases, they must provide written notice at least 10 calendar days before the end of the current month per CC Art. 2728. For leases with a term longer than one month, notice must be given at least 30 calendar days before the end of the period. Fixed-term leases cannot be increased mid-term unless the lease contains an escalation clause.
- Late Fees and Grace Periods: There is no statutory grace period in Louisiana. Rent is due on the exact date stated in the lease. Late fees are completely legal and not capped by statute, but they must be explicitly detailed in the lease and generally considered "reasonable" (e.g., 5% to 10% of rent) to be enforceable in court.
See our Rent Increases and Late Fees guides.
Disclosures and Lease Requirements
Louisiana law requires specific mandatory disclosures, most notably regarding flood history.
- Mandatory Flood Disclosure (La. RS 9:3198.1): Effective January 1, 2024, every lessor of residential real property must provide a written notice to the lessee at or before the time the lease is signed disclosing whether the property has experienced a flood, whether it is located in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain) or Moderate Risk Flood Hazard Area (500-year floodplain), and providing a statement regarding the availability of flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Other Disclosures: Beyond federal requirements like lead-based paint, landlords are not statutorily mandated to disclose mold history or recent deaths on the property, though fraud and intentional misrepresentation laws still apply.
See our Required Disclosures and Lease Requirements guides.
Maintenance Obligations
Under the Louisiana Civil Code, specifically Art. 2682, landlords are required to maintain the property in a condition suitable for the purpose for which it was leased. Landlords are responsible for all major repairs, while tenants are generally responsible for minor, everyday repairs (like replacing light bulbs or fixing a broken lock they caused). If a landlord fails to make necessary major repairs after receiving notice, Louisiana law allows tenants a limited "repair and deduct" remedy under Art. 2694.
See our Maintenance Obligations guide.
How Landager Helps
Landager tracks lease terms, required compliance items, and accounting records - making it easy to stay compliant with Louisiana regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What are the Louisiana landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Unlike the other 49 U.S. states, which heavily rely on English common law, Louisiana operates under a unique civil law system heavily influenced by French and Spanish legal traditions. Therefore, Louisiana's landlord-tenant laws are primarily codified in the Louisiana Civil Code. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
▶What is the Louisiana eviction process and how long does it take?
The Louisiana eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Louisiana. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Louisiana security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Louisiana has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Louisiana rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Louisiana has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Louisiana has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Louisiana?
Louisiana has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Louisiana state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What disclosures must Louisiana landlords provide to tenants?
Louisiana landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Louisiana lease requirements for rental properties?
Louisiana recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Louisiana law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Louisiana landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Louisiana landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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