Louisiana
A Louisiana lease agreement is a legally binding contract between landlords or property management companies and tenants who wish to rent property on a monthly basis. This agreement must comply with Louisiana laws and include essential details such as rent and security deposit specifics, contact information for both parties, a description of the leased premises, and disclosures related to health, safety, and other hazards.
SimpleBasicLease_Louisiana
Rental Lease Laws Overview
In Louisiana, there are no rent control laws in place. Landlords can specify late fees in the lease agreement, and there is no statutory limit on these fees. Additionally, there is no mandatory grace period for late rent payments, and landlords are not required to possess a license to operate.
Security Deposit
Landlords in Louisiana can request any amount for the security deposit, as there is no legal limit. They are not required to provide receipts for the deposit, nor are they obligated to pay interest on it. Furthermore, there is no requirement for landlords to hold the security deposit in a separate bank account. Upon lease termination, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days. If any portion of the deposit is retained, landlords must provide tenants with an itemized statement within one month after the tenancy ends.
Rent Payments
Rent is due as specified in the lease agreement. Louisiana does not have rent control laws, and landlords can impose late fees as outlined in the lease. There is no mandatory grace period for late payments. Tenants have the right to withhold rent if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
Landlord Right of Entry
Louisiana law does not require landlords to provide advance notice before entering the rental property. There are also no specific statutes governing keys, locks, and security measures in the state.
Property Repairs
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in a condition suitable for its intended use. If landlords neglect necessary repairs, tenants are permitted to deduct the repair costs from their rent. Louisiana law does not specify a timeframe for when a property is considered abandoned.
Terminating a Lease
For month-to-month tenancies, tenants must provide 10 days’ notice before the end of the month to terminate the lease. Louisiana law does not require landlords to store unclaimed personal property left behind by tenants after they vacate.
Statutes
- La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3251 – Lessee’s deposit to secure lease; retention by lessor; conveyance of leased premises; itemized statement by lessor
- La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3252 – Failure of lessor to comply; recovery of amounts by lessee; venue
- La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3253 – Cost’s and attorney’s fees
- La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3259 – Unpaid rent; attorney fees
- La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3260 – Premises rendered uninhabitable; mitigation of damages
- La. Civ. Code art. 2682 – The lessor’s principal obligations
- La. Civ. Code art. 2683 – The lessee’s principal obligations
- La. Civ. Code art. 2688 – Obligation to inform lessor
- La. Civ. Code art. 2690 – Alterations by the lessor prohibited
- La. Civ. Code art. 2692 – Lessee’s obligation to make repairs
- La. Civ. Code art. 2694 – Lesse’s right to make repairs
- La. Civ. Code art. 2703 – When and where rent is due
- La. Civ. Code art. 2720 – Termination of lease with a fixed term
- La. Civ. Code art. 2721 – Reconduction
- La. Civ. Code art. 2723 – Term of reconducted nonagricultural lease
- La. Civ. Code art. 2728 – Notice of termination; timing
- La. Stat. tit. 9 § 2782 – Nonsufficient fund checks; damages, attorney fees
- La. Civ. Code art. 3499 – Personal action
- La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701 – Termination of lease; notice to vacate; waiver of notice
- La. Public Health and Safety § 40:506 – Termination of tenancy
FAQs
In Louisiana, there is no limit on the amount a landlord can request for a security deposit. Landlords are not required to provide receipts or collect interest on the deposit, nor must they hold it in a separate bank account. The deposit must be returned within 30 days after the lease ends, along with an itemized statement for any deductions.
A tenant in Louisiana may withhold rent if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time. This means that if the property is not maintained in a suitable condition for its intended use, the tenant has the right to deduct repair costs from their rent.
To terminate a month-to-month lease in Louisiana, a tenant must provide a 10-day notice before the end of the month. This allows both parties to prepare for the lease termination effectively.
No, Louisiana does not have any rent control laws. This means landlords can set rental prices without restrictions imposed by the state.
Landlords in Louisiana are required to maintain the property in a condition suitable for its intended use. If they fail to make necessary repairs, tenants have the right to deduct the repair costs from their rent.
No, Louisiana state law does not require landlords to give advance notice before entering a rental property. This means landlords can enter the property without prior notification to the tenant.
Louisiana state law does not require landlords to store unclaimed personal property after a tenant has vacated. This means that landlords are not obligated to keep any belongings left behind by the tenant.