LA · Tenant rights
Tenant Rights in Louisiana
A plain-English overview of residential renter protections under Louisiana Civil Code – Lease provisions (La. C.C. arts. 2668 et seq. / R.S. 9:3251). Use this as a checklist before you sign — then verify anything that looks off in your specific lease.
Key rules at a glance
- Security deposit return: One month after lease ends in many cases (R.S. 9:3251)
- Landlord entry notice: Reasonable notice; check your written lease
- Late fees: Late fees should be stated clearly; Louisiana courts may scrutinize excessive penalties.
What to check in a Louisiana lease
- Deposit return under R.S. 9:3251
- Repair obligations vs tenant duties
- Flood and insurance addenda
- Eviction (rule to show cause) timing
Frequently asked questions
What is Louisiana's security deposit return rule?
Louisiana Revised Statute 9:3251 generally requires landlords to return the deposit within one month after the lease ends, or provide reasons for retention.
Before you sign
Statutes set the floor — your lease can still include junk fees, auto-renewals, one-sided indemnification, or deposit language that conflicts with Louisiana law. Comparing the document to La. C.C. arts. 2668 et seq. / R.S. 9:3251 is the fastest way to spot problems early.
LeaseGuard.ai provides educational information only and is not a law firm. This page is not legal advice. For disputes or case-specific interpretation, contact a licensed Louisiana attorney or your local legal aid office.
Also see our lease guides for clause-by-clause renter tips.