Louisiana Security Deposit Laws: What Renters Need to Know

Understanding your rights around security deposits can help you protect your money as a renter in Louisiana. Landlords, by law, hold your deposit for the duration of your lease, but there are rules about when and how they must return your money, allowable deductions, and what you can do if there's a problem. This article covers Louisiana's key security deposit laws, offers renter-focused examples, and provides official forms and resources to help you if you face issues with your deposit.

What Is a Security Deposit?

A security deposit is money paid by the renter to the landlord at the start of a lease, intended to cover possible damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or violations of the lease. In Louisiana, there is no state-imposed maximum amount for security deposits, so landlords can set the amount as agreed in your lease.

When Must Your Security Deposit Be Returned?

Louisiana law requires that landlords return the security deposit within one month (30 days) after the lease ends and the tenant moves out. The clock starts once you have vacated the property and provided a forwarding address. This rule is found in Louisiana Revised Statutes (La. R.S.) § 9:3251.¹

What Deductions Are Allowed?

Landlords can deduct from the deposit only for:

• Unpaid rent or utilities owed
• Repair of damages beyond normal wear and tear (as outlined in your lease)
• Other lease breaches (if specified in the lease agreement)

They must provide a written itemized statement showing all deductions, with remaining funds refunded.

Your Rights If Your Deposit Isn't Returned

If your landlord fails to return your deposit by the legal deadline, or makes improper deductions, you may be entitled to recover your original deposit plus damages. Louisiana law allows renters to claim up to twice the amount of the deposit as damages if the landlord fails to comply "without just cause" (La. R.S. § 9:3252).

Before taking legal action, always provide your landlord with a forwarding address in writing and keep a copy for your records. If you need to file a claim, you may do so in your parish's small claims court. The official name of the relevant tribunal is your Louisiana District or City Court.²

Required Forms and How to Use Them

• Security Deposit Demand Letter
  • Name/#: No statewide form; use a written letter.
  • When: If your landlord does not return your deposit after 30 days.
  • How: Write a letter requesting your deposit and an itemized list of deductions. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. Example: "I moved out on [Date] and have not received my security deposit or itemized statement as required by La. R.S. § 9:3251."
  • See guidance from the Louisiana Attorney General
• Small Claims Petition
  • Name/#: Statement of Claim (varies by parish/district)
  • When: If your landlord fails to comply after a demand letter, you can file in small claims court.
  • How: Visit your local district or city court to get the proper form; complete and file with supporting documentation (lease, photos, communications, copy of your demand letter).
  • Louisiana Supreme Court: Small Claims Info

Tips for Getting Your Full Deposit Back

• Give your landlord a written forwarding address before moving out.
• Take photos of the property when moving in and moving out.
• Request a walk-through with your landlord at move-out.
• Keep receipts and correspondence documenting your communications.

Relevant Legislation Protecting Your Deposit

Louisiana’s Revised Statutes § 9:3251–3253 govern security deposits for residential leases, outlining landlord and tenant obligations, timeframes, and penalties for violations.

FAQ: Louisiana Security Deposits

1. What should I do if my landlord doesn’t return my deposit in 30 days?
   You should send a written demand letter by certified mail, requesting your deposit and an itemized list of deductions. If you still do not receive your deposit, you may file a claim in small claims court.
2. Can my landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
   No. Landlords can only deduct for damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or breaches stated in the lease.
3. Is there a limit to the security deposit amount in Louisiana?
   No. Louisiana law does not set a maximum limit on how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. The amount should be stated in your lease agreement.
4. If my landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit, can I get extra money?
   Yes. If the landlord fails to comply without just cause, you may claim up to twice your original deposit as damages under Louisiana law.
5. Where can I file a complaint about my landlord refusing to return my deposit?
   You can file a claim in your local district or city court. Many rent-related disputes are handled in Louisiana Small Claims Court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Attorney General – Filing Consumer Disputes
• Louisiana Supreme Court – Small Claims Court Information
• LawHelp Louisiana – Free Legal Aid Resources
• Louisiana Department of Health – Housing Assistance & Resources

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1. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:3251
2. Louisiana District and City Courts – Official Tribunal Information

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