Louisiana Student Housing Rights: Guide for College Renters

Renting as a college student in Louisiana can be an exciting step toward independence, but it comes with unique challenges. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential, whether you live in campus housing, off-campus apartments, or shared rentals. This guide explains the main housing protections and legal processes for college renters, including how Louisiana law applies specifically to student tenants.

Your Rights as a Student Renter in Louisiana

Louisiana law protects all residential tenants, including students, under the Louisiana Civil Code – Landlord and Tenant Laws. Student renters have the same basic rights as other tenants, such as:

• Safe and habitable housing: Landlords must keep rental units in good repair and comply with health and safety codes.
• Fair return of security deposits: Landlords must return your deposit within one month of your move-out date unless deductions are justified.
• Proper notice before eviction: Landlords typically must give written notice and follow legal steps to evict you.
• Freedom from discrimination: Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on characteristics like race, religion, national origin, or disability.

Special Issues in Student Renting

College renters commonly sign leases with roommates, encounter unique rules in campus-adjacent rentals, or face sudden changes due to graduation or transfers. If you rent from a private landlord—rather than your college—these standard laws apply. Some on-campus housing may have additional rules under university policy, but all must follow state law for habitability and eviction.

Security Deposits and Lease Agreements

Many students pay a deposit before moving in. Louisiana law states:

• Landlords must return your deposit within one month of move-out barring legal deductions.
• You should always get a written lease agreement—this is your main protection if issues arise.
• If your landlord fails to return your deposit, you may file a complaint or take legal action.

Forms and How to Use Them

• Security Deposit Demand Letter (no form number):
  If your landlord does not return your deposit within one month, you can send a formal written demand. Clearly state your name, address, lease dates, and amount due. For a sample and guidance, visit the Louisiana Attorney General's Tenant Rights page.
  Example: "I moved out on May 30. My security deposit of $500 has not been returned. Please send my deposit within 5 days to my address above."

For legal action regarding a deposit, you may file a claim in your local parish Justice of the Peace or City Court. Find your local court at the Louisiana Supreme Court website.

Evictions and Ending Leases Early

Students may need to leave housing before their lease ends due to transferring, graduation, or family emergencies. Louisiana does not require landlords to allow early termination unless your lease specifically allows it. Otherwise, you remain responsible for rent unless the unit is re-rented.

• Landlords cannot evict you without following the legal process—this means giving written notice (usually 5 days for non-payment) and filing in court if you do not vacate.
• Eviction hearings are held in parish Justice of the Peace or City Courts. Official information and court finder available at the Louisiana Supreme Court site.

Notice to Vacate (No Official Form)

• Landlords must give written "Notice to Vacate," usually allowing 5 days to move out. There is no standard statewide form, but it must include your name, address, and reason for eviction.
• For an overview, see the Louisiana State Bar Association housing resources.

Maintenance and Repairs

Landlords must make sure your housing is safe and livable. If repairs are needed (such as heat, plumbing, or security), notify your landlord in writing. If repairs are not made in a timely manner, you may have options:

• Send a written repair request—a simple letter listing problems often suffices.
• Retain proof (photos, emails, certified mail) in case the issue escalates.
• If conditions remain unsafe, you may contact local code enforcement or seek advice from campus legal aid offices.

Learn more about your right to repairs and habitability at the Attorney General's Tenant Rights page.

Where to Get Help: Louisiana Tenant Authorities

The courts handle most tenant-landlord disputes, including evictions and security deposit cases. If you need to take legal action as a renter, you’ll usually do so at your parish’s Justice of the Peace or City Court system. No single housing tribunal exists in Louisiana, but the courts follow the Louisiana Civil Code.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

• Louisiana Civil Code: Articles 2668-2729 - Landlord and Tenant
• Federal Fair Housing Act

1. Can a Louisiana landlord refuse to rent to students?
   Landlords may not discriminate against students based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. However, being a student itself is not a protected status under federal or Louisiana law. Some landlords may set requirements (like income or credit checks) that affect students.
2. How quickly must a Louisiana landlord return a security deposit after move-out?
   Landlords must return your security deposit within one month of your lease ending and your move-out. If deductions are made, they must provide an itemized list of damages or unpaid rent. If they do not, you can send a demand letter and consider filing in local court.
3. What should I do if my landlord is not making needed repairs?
   Report the issue in writing to your landlord. Keep documentation (emails, texts, photos). If repairs aren't addressed, you can seek help from campus legal aid or local authorities. Unsafe conditions may allow you to break the lease or seek repairs in court.
4. How do Louisiana college renters fight an eviction?
   Tenants have the right to receive a written notice and appear in court for an eviction hearing. Gather all lease records and documentation. You can attend the hearing to present your case. Find details at the Louisiana Supreme Court website.
5. Do student renters in Louisiana have any “grace period” for paying rent?
   There is no automatic legal grace period for rent payments unless your lease says otherwise. However, landlords must give at least 5 days' written notice before starting an eviction for nonpayment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Attorney General: Tenant Rights & Resources
• Louisiana Supreme Court (find your local parish court)
• Louisiana State Bar Association: Renter and Housing Resources
• Check with your college's student legal aid or housing office for campus-specific help

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1. Louisiana Civil Code – Landlord and Tenant Laws
2. Louisiana Attorney General – General Tenant Rights
3. Louisiana Supreme Court – Find Local Courts
4. Louisiana State Bar Association: Legal Resources for Tenants
5. U.S. Department of Justice – Fair Housing Act

Categories

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