Louisiana Landlord Rules: Heating and Hot Water Explained

As a renter in Louisiana, it's important to know what your landlord is required to provide when it comes to basic needs like heat and hot water. Understanding these requirements can help you advocate for a safe and comfortable home, while also knowing how to address maintenance issues if they arise.

Do Louisiana Landlords Have to Provide Heat and Hot Water?

Louisiana law requires that rental properties be maintained in a safe and habitable condition. While state statutes do not specifically state precise temperature or hot water requirements, landlords are generally responsible for making sure essential systems like heating and hot water are in working order when provided, under the principle of a “warranty of habitability.”

• Landlords must keep major plumbing and heating facilities operational and safe, if those amenities exist in the unit.
• Louisiana does not impose specific temperature minimums or detailed hot water standards statewide.
• Local parishes and cities—such as New Orleans or Baton Rouge—may have their own building or health codes governing heat and hot water. Always check with your parish or city housing authority for any additional rules.

What the Louisiana Civil Code Says

Under the Louisiana Civil Code, Article 2691, landlords must maintain a rental property “in a condition suitable for its purpose and to make all necessary repairs.” This includes any agreed-upon amenities and systems like heat and hot water if they are part of the rental agreement.^[1]

What If Your Heat or Hot Water Stops Working?

If your rental unit's heating or hot water system fails:

• Notify your landlord in writing as soon as you notice the problem.
• Keep copies of all written communications and any responses.
• Allow your landlord reasonable time to address and fix the issue.

If your landlord does not fix the problem within a reasonable time and the issue makes your home unsafe or unlivable, you may have additional rights, such as requesting a rent reduction or—in severe cases—ending your lease early. Always check with local authorities before withholding rent or taking other actions.

Submitting a Complaint or Seeking Enforcement

Louisiana does not have a statewide tenant-landlord board. However, tenants can:

• File complaints with their parish’s Code Enforcement office if local health or housing codes are not met.
• Seek resolution through state district courts for unresolved disputes. See Louisiana State Judiciary for court information.

Some cities (such as New Orleans) have Healthy Homes Programs and hotlines to report rental issues.

Relevant Forms and Practical Steps

Louisiana does not supply state-level specific tenant complaint forms. However, these actions may help:

• File a written repair request to your landlord (include dates, issue details, and a repair deadline).
• Use local Code Enforcement complaint forms if your area offers one. For example, the City of New Orleans provides a rental complaint tool.

What If Your Issue Goes to Court?

If a dispute cannot be resolved, tenants or landlords may seek remedy in local district court. See your District Court directory for specific parish contacts.

FAQ

1. Are Louisiana landlords required by law to provide working heat?
   Louisiana law requires landlords to keep systems in working order if provided, but does not mandate that all units have heating unless specified in the lease or local codes.
2. Can I withhold rent if I have no heat or hot water?
   No—Louisiana law does not allow tenants to withhold rent without a court order. Seek local Code Enforcement help or legal advice first.
3. What should I do first if my heat or hot water breaks?
   Send your landlord a written notice describing the issue and keep a copy for your records. Allow reasonable repair time.
4. Who enforces rental safety or maintenance codes in Louisiana?
   Local parish or city Code Enforcement departments handle these complaints, not a statewide housing board.
5. Can I end my lease early if the home is unsafe?
   Potentially, if repairs are not made and the unit becomes uninhabitable, but you must follow lease and legal procedures. Consider consulting with an attorney or local legal aid.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep any installed heat and hot water systems running safely as part of basic habitability.
• Louisiana has no exact heat/hot water standards statewide—local codes may apply.
• Document problems and use written communication for repair requests.
• Unresolved issues may require contacting local Code Enforcement or, ultimately, the district court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Civil Code, Article 2691 (Landlord Repair Duties)
• New Orleans Healthy Homes Program – Rental complaints, resources, and contact form
• Louisiana District Court Directory – Find your local court for disputes
• Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center: Tenants’ Rights Handbook
• For legal support, consider contacting Southeast Louisiana Legal Services or your local legal aid office.

---

1. Louisiana Civil Code, Article 2691 – Lessor’s obligations to maintain property
2. Louisiana State Judiciary (district courts, tenant disputes)
3. City of New Orleans – Rental Complaint Resources

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations