Louisiana · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026
Louisiana security deposit law
In Louisiana, your landlord has 1 month (list: up to 15 days later) to return your deposit.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026
Short answer
In Louisiana, the deposit limit is: no statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: The landlord must return the deposit within one month after the lease ends.
- deposit limit
- No statewide limit
- to return a deposit
- 1 month (list: up to 15 days later)
- deposit penalty
- Up to 2× (willful)
Get your deposit back, step by step
- Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Louisiana: Give the landlord your forwarding address when you move out.
- Wait for the deadline: The landlord must return the deposit within one month after the lease ends.
- If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
- If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000 in city court small claims divisions and Justice of the Peace courts. Small claims court in Louisiana on RobinClaim
Deposit return calculator for Louisiana
Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.
Security deposit demand letter for Louisiana
A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.
Security deposit in Louisiana
- Limit
- no statewide limit
- Deadline to return it
- The landlord must return the deposit within one month after the lease ends. If the landlord keeps any part, the landlord must send an itemized statement; since August 1, 2026 the landlord may send that statement up to 15 days after the one-month mark. Give the landlord your forwarding address when you move out. This rule does not apply if you abandon the home without giving the required notice or leave before the lease ends.
- Itemized list
- If any part is kept: an itemized statement of what was kept and why. Receipts are not required by the statute.
- What may be deducted
- Amounts reasonably needed to cover your default (such as unpaid rent) or to fix unreasonable wear to the home. Normal wear and tear may not be charged.
- Interest
- no
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- If the landlord willfully fails to follow the law, you can recover the amount wrongly kept plus $300 or twice the amount wrongly kept, whichever is greater. Not returning the deposit within 30 days after your written demand counts as willful. The court may, in its discretion, also award costs and attorney's fees to the winner (R.S. 9:3253). Any lease clause waiving these rights is void.
Small claims court in Louisiana
Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $5,000 in city court small claims divisions and Justice of the Peace courts.
More for Louisiana renters
- All Louisiana tenant rights
- Repairs: Louisiana
- Eviction: Louisiana
- Security deposit laws by state (2026)
- Guide: how to get your security deposit back
Security deposit in nearby states
Sources
- La. R.S. 9:3251-3254 (as amended by Act 63 of 2026)
- La. R.S. 9:3252 Failure of lessor to comply
- Act 63 of 2026 (HB 292) resume digest
- Civil Code art. 2694 Lessee's right to make repairs
- Civil Code art. 2728 Notice of termination; timing
- Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701 Notice to vacate
- Code Civ. Proc. art. 4731 Rule to show cause; abandonment
- Code Civ. Proc. art. 4732 Trial of rule
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026