Louisiana Renters: Who Pays for Apartment Internet?

Access to reliable internet service is becoming essential for daily life. If you’re renting an apartment in Louisiana, you might wonder who is responsible for setting up and paying for internet service, or what to do if there are problems with access or billing. Understanding how Louisiana law treats utility responsibilities—including internet—can help renters avoid misunderstandings and advocate for their rights.

Internet Utility Responsibilities in Louisiana Rentals

Louisiana law does not specifically require landlords to provide internet service in rental apartments. Unlike essential utilities like electricity, water, or gas, internet is usually considered an optional amenity unless your lease states otherwise.

• Landlords are generally not required to provide or pay for internet service. However, your lease agreement may contain language making the landlord responsible—always check your signed lease.
• If internet is included in your rent or as part of the amenities, the landlord must honor this by maintaining the service.
• Most often, renters set up their own accounts with a local internet provider and pay the bill directly.

What Does the Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Law Say?

The primary law governing rental agreements in Louisiana is the Louisiana Civil Code - Laws Concerning Leases. This law covers rentals of residential property, outlining duties for landlords (lessors) and tenants (lessees) regarding the condition of the property, repairs, and essential services.^[1]

Internet is not classified as a necessary utility under state law. However, if your lease promises internet access or service, the landlord must comply. Written terms in the lease control who pays for, installs, and maintains internet service.

Common Scenarios for Louisiana Apartment Renters

• Internet included in rent: Landlord should set up, maintain, and pay for service according to the lease. If you lose internet access, document the issue and contact your landlord promptly.
• Internet not included: You are responsible for setting up service with a provider. Make sure to close the account when you move out.
• Shared or building-wide Wi-Fi: Ask about service reliability, expected speeds, security, and what to do if problems occur. If outages are frequent and internet is a promised amenity, request repairs in writing.

Your Options if Disputes Arise

Most internet-related disputes boil down to what’s in your rental agreement. If you have questions or a dispute about who should pay for internet, take these steps:

• Review your lease for provisions about internet or other utilities
• Communicate with your landlord in writing, clearly stating the problem
• Request a repair or restoration if internet is an included amenity
• Keep written records in case of ongoing problems

Resolving Problems: Louisiana Renters' Official Forms

While Louisiana state law does not provide a specific form for internet-related disputes, the following can be useful:

• Request for Repairs or Services (No Official Number): Use a written letter or email to formally ask your landlord to address issues like loss of promised internet.
• Example: If your building’s Wi-Fi (advertised as included in amenities) fails repeatedly, send a dated, written request for repair. If problems persist, you may use this correspondence when filing a consumer complaint.
• Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Complaint Form:
  Use this online form if you've tried to resolve with the landlord and continue to have issues with promised internet service. It is not specific to rentals but covers consumer contractual disputes.

Louisiana's Housing Tribunal or Board

Unlike some states, Louisiana does not have a dedicated residential landlord-tenant tribunal. Disputes involving internet or utility obligations are handled by the Louisiana State Court System (city or parish courts), or you may contact local parish agencies for assistance. Consumer contract issues can also be brought to the Louisiana Attorney General's Office.

FAQ: Louisiana Apartment Internet Responsibilities

1. Is my Louisiana landlord required to pay for internet?
   Generally, no. Unless your lease states that internet is included, you are responsible for your own service and bill.
2. What can I do if my landlord promised internet but isn't providing it?
   Send a written request for the service to be repaired or restored, referencing your lease. If not resolved, you may file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General.
3. Can my landlord restrict which internet provider I use?
   Usually, you can choose your provider, but some apartments have pre-installed wiring for certain companies. Check your lease or building policies for details.
4. Am I responsible if my roommate doesn't pay their portion of the internet bill?
   If the service account is in your name, you are legally responsible for the bill. Roommate disputes are considered civil matters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Attorney General’s Office — Consumer Protection (file rental contract complaints)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Louisiana — Renter resources and fair housing guidance
• Louisiana State Courts — Small claims or rental disputes
• Louisiana Legal Services — Free legal help for qualifying renters

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1. Louisiana Civil Code - Laws Concerning Leases, Articles 2668 to 2729

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