Adding a Roommate to Your Lease in Louisiana: Step-by-Step

If you're a renter in Louisiana and want to add a roommate, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Louisiana law gives specific guidelines for changing occupancy in a rental unit, especially when making someone an official tenant on your lease. Taking the right steps protects you, your new roommate, and your landlord, avoiding misunderstandings or legal trouble later.

Understanding Roommate Additions in Louisiana Rentals

Louisiana does not have statewide rent control, but landlord-tenant relationships are governed by the Louisiana Civil Code: Lease of Things, Articles 2668-2729^[1]. While these laws don't mention "roommate" specifically, your lease agreement may limit who can live in your unit. Always review your own lease before taking action.

Common Lease Rules About Roommates

• Leases often name who is an "authorized occupant." Adding anyone else without notice is usually a lease violation.
• Your landlord must approve any new tenant—this protects everyone involved.
• Louisiana law generally lets landlords screen new roommates with the same process used for original tenants (background and credit checks).

Before you invite someone to move in:

• Check your current lease for occupancy limits and guest policies.
• Ask your landlord or property manager about their roommate addition policy.

How to Add a Roommate to Your Lease in Louisiana: Action Steps

Adding a roommate is more than just a verbal agreement. For your protection, the process should be documented clearly and follow Louisiana law.

Step-by-Step Guide

• 1. Review Your Lease Agreement: Locate the section on "occupancy," "subletting," or "assignment." Make sure you understand your landlord’s requirements for adding or replacing tenants.
• 2. Inform Your Landlord in Writing: Draft a short letter or email formally requesting approval to add your new roommate. Include their full name and intended move-in date. This creates a written record.
• 3. Roommate Applies: Your landlord may require your roommate to complete a rental application, provide identification, and authorize background or credit checks, just as you did.
• 4. Lease Addendum or New Lease: Once approved, your landlord will likely provide a Lease Addendum or sometimes a completely new lease.
  
  • Lease Addendum: This document officially adds your roommate as a tenant, outlining their rights and responsibilities. Both parties (you, the roommate, and the landlord) will sign it.
  • The Louisiana Uniform Residential Lease Addendum is a standard example, but there's no single state-mandated form. Always request a written, signed document from your landlord.
• 5. Update Contact & Payment Info: Make sure the property manager or landlord has your roommate’s correct contact details. Discuss how rent and utilities will be split, and confirm with your landlord if rent payments should come from one person or can be split.

Once your roommate is on the lease, both of you are typically "jointly and severally liable"—meaning, you share full responsibility for rent, damages, or lease compliance.

What Official Forms Should I Use to Add a Roommate?

Louisiana does not have a single statewide government-issued form for adding a roommate. Instead:

• Lease Addendum:
  • Name: Lease Addendum (no state form number)
  • Example of Use: If your landlord agrees to add your roommate, ask them for a lease addendum to sign. This updates everyone’s rights and responsibilities.
  • Get an example template and check official information: Louisiana State Bar Association Renters' Resources
• Rental Application:
  • Name: Landlord’s Rental Application (no state form number)
  • Example of Use: Your roommate will likely be required to fill this out and provide ID before becoming an official tenant.

If in doubt, request all documents from your landlord or property manager. Documentation is critical for protection under Louisiana law.

Legal Resources and Where to Get Help

Disputes about roommates, lease changes, or occupancy are ultimately handled in local courts. In Louisiana, residential rental disputes are resolved by your local Parish Civil (District) Courts^[2]. There is no single housing tribunal, but parish courts handle landlord-tenant cases, including eviction or lease violation matters.

Relevant Louisiana Legislation

• Louisiana Civil Code: Lease of Things, Articles 2668-2729

You can also access detailed guides and sample documents through the Louisiana Law Help – Housing portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add a roommate in Louisiana?
   Yes. Most leases require landlord approval before adding anyone as a tenant. Adding someone without notice could violate your lease, risking eviction.
2. Will my rent go up if I add a roommate?
   Possibly. While Louisiana doesn’t have rent control, some landlords may increase rent for additional occupants. Ask your landlord and get all changes in writing.
3. What if my landlord refuses to add my roommate?
   Your landlord can deny requests if the roommate does not meet application criteria or if there are occupancy limits stated in your lease. You can ask for reasons in writing and seek legal advice.
4. What happens if my roommate is not on the lease?
   If someone lives with you as an unauthorized occupant, both you and your new roommate may have fewer legal protections. You could also face a lease violation or eviction.
5. How can I prove my roommate is legally on the lease?
   Ask your landlord for a signed lease addendum or updated lease listing your roommate's name as a tenant. Both should have signed the document with the landlord's approval.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Law Help – Housing (tenant self-help, forms, and free legal info)
• Louisiana Parish Civil (District) Courts (find local court for disputes)
• Louisiana State Bar Association Legal Resources (renter rights resources and legal referral)
• Louisiana Housing Corporation – Rental Housing (help with affordability and assistance programs)

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1. [1] Louisiana Civil Code: Lease of Things, Arts. 2668–2729
2. [2] Louisiana Parish Civil (District) Courts

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