Louisiana Landlord Required Disclosures
Discover what residential disclosures Louisiana landlords must legally provide to tenants, focusing on the minimal state requirements and federal law.
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 Landlord Required Disclosures
Since its statehood on April 30, 1812, Louisiana has maintained a unique legal tradition based on the Civil Code. Louisiana is known for having some of the most relaxed landlord-tenant laws in the country regarding affirmative disclosures. However, recent legislative changes have introduced mandatory requirements for flood history and application fee transparency.
The burden is largely on the tenant to inspect the property before signing a lease. However, landlords must still adhere to federal law, the strict liability principles regarding property defects under the Louisiana Civil Code, and specific statutory notification requirements.
Official Law Citation: The disclosure requirements for Louisiana residential leases are primarily governed by federal regulations, the Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2696, La. R.S. 9:3198.1 (Flood), La. R.S. 9:3258.1 (Application Fees), and La. R.S. 37:1469 (Sex Offenders).
State-Mandated Disclosures
Louisiana has specific codified landlord disclosures for residential tenancies that are required or strictly governed by state law.
Sex Offender Registry Notice (Mandatory)
Under Louisiana R.S. 37:1469, every written lease executed by a real estate licensee must include a notice informing the tenant of the existence of a statewide database of registered sex offenders. The notice must provide the website and telephone number for the database. Once this notice is provided, the landlord is generally shielded from further liability regarding the proximity of offenders.
Flood Risk and History (Mandatory)
Effective January 1, 2024, under La. R.S. 9:3198.1, every residential landlord must disclose in writing, at or before lease signing, whether the property has flooded within the last five years and whether the property is located in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Application Fee Disclosure (Mandatory)
Under La. R.S. 9:3258.1, a landlord cannot require an application fee unless they provide written notice of:
- The fee amount.
- The criteria used for screening (e.g., credit scores, criminal history).
- A statement informing the applicant of their right to provide a 200-word explanation of financial hardship resulting from a declared disaster (specifically referencing "hurricane" and the "COVID-19 pandemic").
General Warranty Against Vices and Defects
Under Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2696, a landlord (lessor) is strictly liable for all "vices or defects" of the property that prevent it from being used for its intended purpose. This liability exists even if the landlord did not know of the defect at the time of the lease.
While not an affirmative "disclosure form" requirement, this means:
- Latent Material Defects: A landlord must disclose any known, dangerous conditions that a tenant cannot reasonably discover.
- Waiver of Warranty: If a landlord wishes to limit this liability, they must include a specific waiver in the lease that is clear, unambiguous, and brought to the tenant's attention (Civil Code Art. 2699). However, this waiver cannot apply to defects that seriously affect health or safety in residential leases.
Federally Mandated Disclosures
Because state laws are minimal, the most extensive disclosure requirement in Louisiana is the federal lead-based paint mandate.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978 Homes)
Under 42 U.S.C. § 4852d, if the residential dwelling was built prior to 1978, landlords must provide:
- EPA Pamphlet: "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home."
- Known Hazards: A written disclosure of any known lead-based paint or hazards.
- Records: Copies of any existing records or reports regarding lead in the unit.
- Lease Disclosure: A specific Lead Warning Statement signed by all parties.
Recommended Best Practice Disclosures
Even though Louisiana doesn't require them by law, providing certain disclosures can prevent significant misunderstandings and shield the landlord from liability:
- Move-in/Move-out Inspection Checklist: Crucial for defending security deposit deductions under R.S. 9:3251.
- HOA/Condo Association Rules: Providing the CCRs ensures the tenant is aware of community-specific restrictions.
See our Security Deposits 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 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.
▶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.
Read the complete guide▶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 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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