What should I do if there is mold in my rental?

Notify your landlord in writing and, if not resolved, contact your local health or code enforcement office for an inspection or to file a complaint.

Does my landlord have to provide air conditioning?

Only if your lease includes it or if a lack of AC creates unsafe living conditions. In those cases, your landlord must maintain working air conditioning.

How long does my landlord have to fix air quality problems?

Landlords must act within a reasonable amount of time, usually within a few days for urgent repairs. If delayed, escalate to local authorities.

Who enforces air quality standards in Louisiana?

Air quality standards are enforced by local code enforcement offices and City or Parish Courts for major disputes.

Can I withhold rent if ventilation is not fixed?

Withholding rent is risky in Louisiana. Seek legal advice before doing so, as it can lead to eviction if not handled properly through the courts.

Louisiana Rental Air Quality and Ventilation Rules Explained

Health & Safety Standards Louisiana published: June 21, 2025

Understanding air quality and ventilation standards is vital for Louisiana renters seeking safe and healthy homes. Whether you’re concerned about mold, stale air, or suspect poor ventilation, knowing your rights under Louisiana law can help you address issues quickly and effectively.

What Are Minimum Air Quality and Ventilation Standards in Louisiana Rentals?

Louisiana law requires landlords to provide habitable living spaces, which includes maintaining proper air quality and ventilation. The state follows a concept called the warranty of habitability, meaning rentals must meet basic health and safety standards, even if not every detail is spelled out in the law. While specific ventilation or indoor air quality numbers may differ by city, landlords must:

Maintain all heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment in working condition
Promptly repair leaks or water intrusions that can lead to mold growth
Ensure windows or mechanical systems allow for adequate airflow
Address pest infestations or odors that might affect breathable air

These standards are based on Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2696–2697 – Lease: Obligations of Lessor, which requires safe and livable housing^[1]. For some properties, local parishes or cities may have additional code requirements (check with your parish building department).

Common Air Quality Concerns in Louisiana Rentals

Given Louisiana's humid climate, home ventilation and air quality problems often include:

Mold or Mildew Growth from leaks, flooding, or poor ventilation
Unpleasant Odors due to stagnant air, water damage, or pests
Faulty HVAC Systems leading to poor circulation or high humidity
Windows That Don’t Open preventing necessary air exchange

If you suspect a serious air quality issue, you have options to request repairs or official inspections.

What Is the Landlord’s Responsibility?

Your landlord must handle repairs related to health and safety—including ventilation systems, window locks, and keeping the property free of mold caused by structural issues. However, tenants must also do their part to keep the home clean and report problems quickly. This balance is reflected in Louisiana law and enforced by local housing agencies.

How to Address Air Quality or Ventilation Issues

Notify your landlord in writing about any air quality or ventilation concern (keep copies)
Allow your landlord reasonable time to make repairs
Request an inspection from your local code enforcement or city-parish government if repairs are not made
Document all communication and take photos of visible issues, like mold or standing water

If repairs are ignored, you may have grounds to file a formal complaint with your city or parish or, in urgent cases, seek action through your local court system.

Relevant Forms for Louisiana Renters

Lodging Complaint Form (no statewide form number)
- When to use: Submit if your landlord will not fix major hazards such as persistent mold, blocked ventilation, or broken HVAC.
- How to use: Contact your Parish/City health or code enforcement office, as each local department may have its own form or submission process. For example, New Orleans renters can use the New Orleans Housing Code Violation Complaint Form.
Repair Request/Notice to Landlord
- When to use: Notify your landlord in writing of any necessary repairs relating to air quality.
- How to use: Draft a letter or email describing the problem; include dates and supporting evidence. There is no statewide required form, but written notice is crucial.

Tenant Tribunals and Enforcement in Louisiana

Louisiana rental disputes are generally handled through local city or parish courts, often called City or Parish Courts. These courts address issues with repairs, safety, or habitability when informal measures fail. Some larger cities have dedicated code enforcement offices for rental housing.

If you need to bring legal action, cite the lease law: Louisiana Civil Code Article 2691 et seq. – Lease Obligations.^[1]

What Does Louisiana’s Tenancy Law Say?

The primary Louisiana law protecting renters is the Louisiana Civil Code, Articles 2668–2729, which requires landlords to:

Keep rentals in safe, healthy, and fit condition
Make necessary repairs for habitability upon reasonable notice
Not interfere with the tenant’s right to peaceful enjoyment

If your landlord fails to provide adequate ventilation or ignores air quality issues, you may have rights under these laws to seek repairs, rent reduction, or end your lease in severe cases.

FAQ: Air Quality and Ventilation in Louisiana Rentals

What should I do if there is mold in my rental?
Inform your landlord in writing right away. If the landlord does not fix the problem promptly, contact your local health or code enforcement office to file a complaint, especially if the mold is widespread or affecting your health.
Does my landlord have to provide air conditioning?
Louisiana law does not explicitly require air conditioning in all rentals, but if your lease includes it or the lack of AC creates unsafe living conditions, your landlord must maintain it.
How long does my landlord have to fix air quality problems?
Landlords must act within a "reasonable" time—typically several days for urgent repairs. If they delay, renters can escalate complaints to local authorities.
Who enforces air quality standards in Louisiana?
Enforcement is primarily through local city or parish code compliance offices. Major disputes are handled by City or Parish Courts.
Can I withhold rent if ventilation is not fixed?
Under Louisiana law, this is risky. Always seek legal advice before withholding rent, as you could be subject to eviction if you withhold without proper legal grounds or court approval.

Key Takeaways for Louisiana Renters

Landlords are responsible for maintaining safe, ventilated, and healthy rentals.
Always report air quality issues in writing and keep a record of your communications.
If your landlord does not act, contact local code enforcement or seek advice from your parish court.

While Louisiana law trusts both landlords and tenants to keep rentals fit, renters do have rights and resources to address serious problems.