Louisiana Landlord Disclosures Before Move-In

Getting ready to move into a rental in Louisiana? Knowing what your landlord must legally share before you sign your lease can help you protect your rights and avoid surprises later. This guide explains required disclosures, helpful forms, and practical steps to make your move-in process smoother.

Key Disclosures Landlords Must Provide in Louisiana

Louisiana law requires landlords to provide certain disclosures to renters before move-in. These disclosures primarily protect your health, safety, and understanding of your rental agreement. While Louisiana does not mandate as many disclosures as some other states, there are key requirements you should know about.

Main Required Disclosures in Louisiana

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: If the rental property was built before 1978, federal law requires landlords to provide information about known lead-based paint and hazards. You should receive an EPA-approved information pamphlet called Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home.
• Security Deposit Terms: The terms under which your security deposit will be held, and how or when it will be returned, should be specified in your written lease. While Louisiana does not have a mandated form, these details must be included in the lease agreement. Learn more at the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure: Security Deposits.
• Mold or Known Environmental Hazards: Louisiana law does not specifically require mold disclosure for rentals, but landlords must not knowingly misrepresent the condition of the property.
• Flood Disclosure: As of 2022, landlords must disclose if a property has flooded within the past five years by providing a written notice as required by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:3198. This usually applies to homes and may be included in your rental agreement.

Louisiana Residential Lease Agreement

Most disclosures are presented within the standard lease agreement tenants sign before moving in. While there is no official statewide lease form, using a written lease is strongly recommended, and your landlord must give you a copy.

Lead-Based Paint: Special Attention for Older Rentals

Federal law requires landlords of any residential property built before 1978 to:

• Disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and hazards
• Provide you with the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home
• Include a specific lead warning statement in the lease (Lead Disclosure Form)

The required Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form is provided and signed at lease signing. If you’re moving into an older property, but have not received this form, ask your landlord right away. More info is available on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development disclosure resources.

Required Forms for Louisiana Renters

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (No official state number)
  Usage: Landlords must provide and tenants sign if the property was built before 1978. For example, if you’re renting a 1965 house in Baton Rouge, your landlord should give you this form before you move in.
  Download the sample disclosure from the EPA

Where to Get Help for Rental Disputes

In Louisiana, the Louisiana Supreme Court oversees residential tenancy disputes, usually through your local District Court. For information on the law, the Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668-2718: Lease of Things (Rental Law) are the main statutes covering landlord-tenant relations.

Moving In: Safety and Inspection Tips

While Louisiana doesn’t require a formal move-in inspection form, it’s a good idea to document the condition of your unit with dated photos and written notes. Share this with your landlord and keep a copy for yourself.

FAQs About Louisiana Landlord-Required Disclosures

1. Do landlords in Louisiana have to disclose all property problems?
   Landlords must not knowingly hide or misrepresent major issues affecting the property's safety or fitness for living, such as lead paint or repeated flooding.
2. What happens if my landlord doesn’t give me a lead paint disclosure?
   If the property was built before 1978 and you are not given this disclosure, you could have rights to cancel your lease or take legal action. Report concerns to your local court.
3. Is there an official move-in checklist required in Louisiana?
   No, but you should document the property's condition for your own protection, especially regarding your security deposit.
4. How do I know if I need to get the flood disclosure?
   Landlords must give you this information in writing if your property has flooded in the last five years. It may be included in your lease agreement or as a separate document.
5. Who do I contact if my landlord isn’t following disclosure laws?
   The local District Court handles landlord-tenant disputes, and you can also consult the Louisiana Supreme Court and rental law sections online for guidance.

Summary: Know Before You Sign

• Louisiana landlords must provide disclosures for lead-based paint (if built before 1978), security deposit terms, and flood history when applicable.
• Ask for all disclosures and retain copies for your records before you move in.
• If you don't receive the required information, contact your local court or legal aid for support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Supreme Court – tribunal overseeing rental disputes
• Louisiana Civil Code (Lease of Things, Art. 2668-2718) – main rental laws
• EPA – Lead Paint Disclosure Resources
• HUD Louisiana Renters Resources

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1. Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668-2718: Lease of Things (Rental Law)
2. EPA: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
3. Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure – Security Deposits
4. HUD: Louisiana Renting Resources
5. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:3198 – Flood Disclosure Requirement

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