Who is responsible for making repairs in my rental unit?

In most cases, your landlord must fix anything that keeps your home habitable and safe, unless you caused the problem or your lease says otherwise.

Can I withhold rent if my landlord won’t fix something?

Generally, you must keep paying rent even if repairs are delayed. Withholding rent can risk eviction unless you have legal grounds or a court order.

How long does my landlord have to fix repairs in Louisiana?

Louisiana law requires repairs to be done within a reasonable time, usually 7-14 days for major issues, and sooner for urgent health or safety problems.

Is there a government agency that enforces repair standards?

No statewide agency. Code enforcement is handled locally by city/parish offices or through local civil courts.

What should I do if my landlord ignores my written repair request?

Keep records, follow up in writing, and if unresolved, contact local code enforcement or file a complaint in parish/city court.

Louisiana Landlord Repair Duties: Renters' Guide

Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Louisiana published: June 21, 2025

Understanding your rights regarding apartment repairs is essential when renting in Louisiana. State law outlines what your landlord must fix and how you can respond if repairs aren’t made. This guide uses Louisiana’s laws and official resources to clearly explain what you can expect and what steps to take to get your rental home repaired.

Landlord Repair Obligations in Louisiana

Louisiana law requires landlords to keep rented homes in a safe, livable condition, known legally as maintaining “habitability.” This means your landlord is responsible for making most repairs that keep your home usable and safe for living. For full details, refer to Louisiana Civil Code Article 2691—Landlord's Obligation to Maintain Property.^[1]

Fixing major plumbing, heating, or electrical problems
Maintaining roofs, walls, doors, and windows so the apartment doesn’t leak or let in pests
Repairing appliances or systems that came with the apartment and are part of the lease
Addressing health hazards like mold from leaks, or unsafe stairs

Landlords must make these repairs even if your lease doesn’t mention them. However, renters must also report problems promptly and not cause the damage themselves.

What Repairs Are Not the Landlord’s Responsibility?

Some repairs are not covered by your landlord. You may be responsible if:

You or your guests caused the damage through misuse or neglect
You agreed in the lease to be responsible for certain items (carefully read your lease!)
The repair is minor, like a blown light bulb or routine cleaning

How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord

Louisiana law expects renters to notify their landlord in writing about needed repairs. The best way is usually a written letter that describes the problem and asks for it to be fixed by a reasonable date. This creates a paper trail if further action is needed.

Include your address, the date, and a detailed description of the problem
State how the issue affects your living conditions
Keep a copy for your records
Send the request via certified mail or a method you can track

Although Louisiana does not have a mandatory statewide repair request form, many parishes or cities do. It’s always best to check with your local parish government or housing office for specific forms or complaint procedures.

What Happens If Repairs Aren’t Made?

If the landlord does not fix serious problems within a reasonable time after written notice, you have several options:

You may be able to make the repair yourself and deduct the cost from your rent (called “repair and deduct”), but only if your lease allows it or the landlord has clearly failed to act.
In severe cases, you might be allowed to end (terminate) your lease.
You can also file a complaint with your local housing office, code enforcement, or the civil court in your parish.

It is strongly recommended to seek legal advice before withholding rent or cancelling your lease, as doing so incorrectly may risk eviction.

Important Forms for Louisiana Renters

Written Repair Request (No Official State Form)
When and How to Use: Use whenever requesting a repair from your landlord. Clearly state your address, the repair needed, and deadline for completion. Example: “I am requesting that you fix the broken heater in my apartment within 7 days, as I am without heat in winter.” Learn more from the Louisiana Housing Corporation.^[2]
Tenant Petition in Civil Court (Varies by Parish)
When and How to Use: If repairs are not made after formal notice, you can file a petition in city/parish civil court. For example, in Orleans Parish, you would submit a "Petition for Damages" at First City Court. Processes vary—check with your local parish court or visit the Louisiana Supreme Court resources page.^[3]

Official Tribunal and Where to Get Help

Louisiana does not have a special housing tribunal. Most residential tenancy disputes—including repair complaints—are heard in your local city, parish or district civil courts. Find your parish court contact from the Louisiana Supreme Court’s Parish & City Courts Directory.^[3]

FAQ: Common Questions about Landlord Repairs in Louisiana

Who is responsible for making repairs in my rental unit?
In most cases, your landlord must fix anything that keeps your home habitable and safe, unless you caused the problem or the lease says otherwise.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord won’t fix something?
Generally, you must keep paying rent, even if repairs are delayed. Withholding rent can lead to eviction unless you have legal grounds, such as a court order.
How long does my landlord have to fix repairs in Louisiana?
The law requires "a reasonable time," often interpreted as 7-14 days for major issues. Immediate hazards (like no heat in winter) should be addressed sooner.
Is there a government agency that enforces repair standards?
No statewide agency; enforcement is usually through local code enforcement offices or your parish/city civil court. Check with your local housing or health office.
What should I do if my landlord ignores my written repair request?
Keep records of all communications, follow up in writing, and contact code enforcement or file in parish/city court if the problem is serious.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Louisiana Renters

Landlords are required to keep rental properties safe and livable by law
Always report repair issues in writing and keep good records
Seek help from your parish court or code enforcement if your landlord doesn’t respond to reasonable repair requests

Understanding your rights helps you protect your home and your peace of mind as a Louisiana renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Louisiana Housing Corporation – Rental Assistance Programs
Louisiana Supreme Court – Find Your Parish or City Court
Local code enforcement or city health department (check your parish website for specifics)
Louisiana State Bar Association – Find Legal Help

Louisiana Civil Code, Article 2691, "Landlord’s Obligation to Maintain Property." Available at Louisiana Legislature
Louisiana Housing Corporation – Rental Rights and Resources
Louisiana Supreme Court: Parish and City Courts Directory