State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Your landlord's deductions may not hold up under state law.
Louisiana Security Deposit Laws
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2926 & RS 9:3251, Louisiana landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Wrongfully withheld amount plus $200 penalty or actual damages.
Quick Answer
In Louisiana, landlords have 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $5,000) and may recover Wrongfully withheld amount plus $200 penalty or actual damages under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2926 & RS 9:3251. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Louisiana Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 30 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Wrongfully withheld amount plus $200 penalty or actual damages. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $5,000without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Your landlord was required to follow these rules exactly. If they didn't, you may be owed your full deposit back — plus penalties. A generic complaint gets ignored. A letter citing Louisiana Civil Code Article 2926 & RS 9:3251 deadlines and HUD depreciation schedules gets results. Upload their deduction letter to find out.
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $500-1,6005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Mold/Mildew Treatment
Typical: $200-700May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.
Hurricane Prep/Damage
Typical: $100-400May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.
How It Works
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Get a Demand Letter That Cites These Laws
Our tool analyzes your landlord's deductions against Louisiana Civil Code Article 2926 & RS 9:3251 and federal HUD guidelines, then generates a formal demand letter you can send immediately.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
"Looking at their itemized list, they wanted to bill me for window blinds that were yellowed from the sun. That's wear and tear, not damage. Returned my full deposit."
— Metairie, LA
$19 to recover up to $1,100. That's a 57x return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Louisiana landlord have to return my deposit?
Louisiana landlords must return your deposit within 30 days. Wrongful withholding results in the amount owed plus a $200 penalty or actual damages, whichever is greater.
What makes Louisiana tenant law different?
Louisiana follows civil law traditions (unlike common law in other states), but security deposit rules are largely statutory and similar to other states.
Can I be charged for hurricane damage in Louisiana?
No. Weather damage and storm preparation costs are landlord expenses. Only damage you negligently caused can be deducted.
Have your landlord's deduction letter handy?
How much can I recover in Louisiana for a wrongful deposit withholding?
Louisiana allows recovery of the wrongfully withheld amount plus a $200 statutory penalty (or actual damages, whichever is greater) under LA RS 9:3251. Small Claims (City Court) handles disputes up to $5,000. The $200 penalty applies on top of the deposit amount.
City-Specific Rules
Some Louisiana cities have additional tenant protections:
- New Orleans: Active tenant advocacy organizations. Additional flood-related protections.
Official Resources
- Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Louisiana's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Average Louisiana deposit: $1,100 · Based on Louisiana Civil Code Article 2926 & RS 9:3251 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527