Security deposits in Louisiana are regulated by Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 9, § 3251 to § 3261. Certain municipalities may have local laws that supplement state regulations. To ensure full compliance, verify the regulations applicable in your area.

Louisiana: KEY POINTS AT A GLANCE

Deposit Cap: Not Specified

Holding Requirements: No

Interest Required: No

Return Window: 30 days

COLLECTION & HOLDING REQUIREMENTS

Deposit Cap: Louisiana state law does not currently have a limit on the amount that landlords/property managers can require as a security deposit.

Holding Requirements: Louisiana state law does not currently specify where landlords/property managers must hold security deposits.

Information Provided to Tenant: There is currently no specific requirement for landlords/property managers to provide tenants with information about where the security deposit is held.

‍Interest on Deposits: Louisiana state law does not currently require landlords/property managers to pay tenants interest on security deposits.

RETURN

Timeline: Within 30 days after the tenant vacates the rental property, the landlord/property manager must either (1) return the full security deposit to the tenant or (2) provide the tenant with an itemized statement of deductions from the security deposit, along with any remaining security deposit amounts. However, the requirement to return the security deposit and provide an itemized statement of deductions does not apply when the tenant abandons the premises, either without giving notice or before the termination of the lease.

Documentation of Deductions: The itemized statement of deductions to the security deposit must detail the amount retained by the landlord/property manager and the reason for each deduction.

Permissible Deductions: Landlords/property managers may deduct the following from a security deposit:

• Unpaid rent
• Damages beyond normal wear and tear, including cleaning costs to restore the unit to its condition at the start of the tenancy.

‍Penalties: Failure to return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions as required may result in the landlord/property manager being liable for up to two times the portion of the deposit that is wrongfully withheld, plus attorney’s fees and court costs if the tenant wins in a lawsuit.

SALE OF THE RENTAL PROPERTY

If the property is sold, the landlord/property manager must transfer the security deposit to the new owner, at which point the new owner assumes responsibility for the security deposit.