Louisiana landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Louisiana quirk
The only civil-law state in the US — no URLTA; the Civil Code's lease articles fill every gap the lease leaves. Month-to-month tenancies end on just 10 days' notice (art. 2728), and there is no deposit cap, late-fee cap, or entry-notice statute. The one hard deadline: return the deposit within 1 month — retention becomes willful by law 30 days after the tenant's written demand, costing $300 or double the amount wrongfully withheld, whichever is greater, plus possible attorney fees (La. R.S. 9:3252–3253).
Louisiana landlord law FAQ
How long do I have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?
Within one month after the lease terminates (La. R.S. 9:3251(A)). You may keep only what is reasonably necessary to remedy the tenant's default or unreasonable wear, and anything retained requires an itemized statement with reasons sent within that same month. The duty does not apply if the tenant abandons without giving required notice or before the lease ends (§ 9:3251(C)).
What happens if I miss the deposit deadline in Louisiana?
Failing to remit within 30 days after the tenant's written demand constitutes willful failure (La. R.S. 9:3252), entitling the tenant to the wrongfully retained portion plus $300 or twice that amount, whichever is greater — and the court may add costs and attorney fees (§ 9:3253). A lease clause waiving these rights is null and void (§ 9:3254).
Is there a limit on late fees in Louisiana?
No. No Louisiana statute caps residential late fees or imposes a grace period. A late-fee clause is a stipulated-damages provision (La. Civ. Code art. 2005) that courts may not modify unless it is so manifestly unreasonable as to be contrary to public policy (art. 2012) — so put the amount in the written lease.
Do I have to give notice before entering a rental in Louisiana?
No statute requires advance notice — Louisiana has no entry-notice law, so your lease controls. The Civil Code separately gives you the right to make repairs that cannot be postponed until the lease ends, even if the tenant suffers inconvenience (La. Civ. Code art. 2693), though the tenant may seek a rent reduction or dissolution for extended loss of use. Spell out entry terms in the lease.
How much notice do I need to end a month-to-month lease in Louisiana?
Ten calendar days before the end of the month (La. Civ. Code art. 2728) — one of the shortest no-cause windows in the country. A lease whose term is longer than a month requires thirty calendar days' notice, and week-to-week tenancies require five.
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Louisiana?
No cap — lease controls; enforceable as stipulated damages unless manifestly unreasonable. Grace period: None statutory — rent is due at the beginning of each payment interval (La. Civ. Code art. 2703); any grace period comes from the lease. Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Louisiana?
No cap. The deposit must be returned within 1 month after move-out.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Louisiana?
None statutorily required.
Is there rent control in Louisiana?
Prohibited.
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-17. Deposit statute: La. R.S. 9:3251–3254 (Lessee's Deposit Act; tenant waiver null and void, § 9:3254). Late fee statute: None — no statutory cap; a late fee is stipulated damages (La. Civ. Code arts. 2005, 2012), which courts may not modify unless manifestly unreasonable.
- La. R.S. 9:3251 (deposit return)
- La. R.S. 9:3252 (willful failure; damages)
- La. Civ. Code art. 2728 (termination notice)
- La. C.C.P. art. 4911 (justice of the peace — $5,000)
- La. R.S. 13:5202 (city court small claims — $5,000)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.