Louisiana Tenant Rights: Changing Locks and Security Rules

If you're renting in Louisiana and concerned about your security, it's important to understand your legal rights around changing locks. Louisiana has specific laws governing when and how tenants can change locks, as well as landlord responsibilities. This guide explains the key rules, what steps you need to take, and who to contact if you need help—with plain explanations and official resources for renters.

Understanding Lock Changes in Louisiana Rental Housing

In Louisiana, there is no specific statute in the Louisiana Civil Code on Residential Leasing that directly addresses tenants’ rights to change locks in standard situations. Most rental agreements include terms concerning locks and keys. To avoid conflicts, it is vital to review your lease carefully before making any changes.

When Are Tenants Allowed to Change the Locks?

• Only With Landlord Permission: In most cases, you must have written permission from your landlord to change or add locks. Changing locks without consent could breach your lease.
• Domestic Violence Protections: Louisiana law provides special protections for tenants who are victims of domestic abuse. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:3261.1, tenants may request lock changes to exclude an abuser or terminated household member. The request must be in writing, and you may need to provide a court order or police report as documentation.
• Emergency Situations: If your safety is at immediate risk and you cannot reach your landlord, you should prioritize your security, but you are legally required to give the landlord a copy of the new key as soon as possible.

Summary: In most cases, you can only change locks with landlord permission except for specific abuse protection scenarios detailed below.

Domestic Violence: Tenant Rights and the Law

If you are a victim of domestic abuse and need to prevent further harm, Louisiana law supports your right to request a lock change. The key steps include:

• Provide a written request to your landlord asking for a lock change
• Include supporting documentation (like an emergency protective order or police report)
• The landlord must, at your expense, change the locks or allow you to do so
• If you change the locks, you must provide a key to your landlord unless specifically directed otherwise by the court order

For more information, review Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:3261.1 - Rights of tenants who are victims of domestic abuse.

Landlord's Access Rights and Duties

Your landlord generally has the right to enter your rental property for repairs or emergencies, but they must respect your right to privacy. If locks are changed, your landlord is entitled to a working copy of the new key—unless restricted by a court order related to domestic violence.

Required Forms and Official Steps

• Written Request for Lock Change: There is no state-issued form, but you should submit a clear, signed written request including your reason (for domestic violence protections, attach relevant documentation). Example: "I am requesting a lock change for my safety as a victim of domestic abuse, pursuant to La. R.S. § 9:3261.1.”
• Protective Order (if applicable): Use the Louisiana Domestic Abuse Protective Order forms for your parish. This official form can serve as required documentation for your landlord.

How to use: For domestic abuse cases, obtain and complete the Protective Order form, file it with your local court, and provide your landlord with a copy as part of your written lock change request.

Who Handles Housing Complaints in Louisiana?

Louisiana does not have a single residential tenancy tribunal. Legal disputes between tenants and landlords are generally handled in Louisiana District Courts. If you need official guidance or to resolve a dispute, you may file a claim in your local district or city court.

Louisiana Tenancy Law and Your Rights

• Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729 (Residential Leases)
• Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:3261.1 (Victims of Domestic Abuse)

These codes lay out the basic rules for security, locks, and tenant protections in Louisiana rental housing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Locks in Louisiana Rentals

1. Can I change the locks without telling my landlord?
   Only in emergency situations for your immediate safety. Otherwise, you must have landlord permission or be protected by a court order under domestic violence law.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to change the locks after I provide a protective order?
   You may seek assistance from your local district court, as the law requires landlords to comply with lock change requests if documentation for domestic abuse is provided.
3. Will I have to pay for the lock change?
   Yes, unless your lease says otherwise. Tenants are generally responsible for the cost, including situations involving domestic violence.
4. Does my landlord have to give me a key to the new lock?
   If the landlord changes the lock, they must provide you with a key. If you change the lock yourself, you must provide a key to the landlord, unless a court order says otherwise.
5. Where can I find the forms for protective orders in Louisiana?
   You can find protective order forms through the Louisiana Supreme Court's Domestic Abuse Forms page.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana District Courts: Find Your Local Court
• Louisiana Domestic Abuse Protective Order Forms
• Louisiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection – information and complaint forms for renters
• HUD Louisiana Tenant Rights Resources

---

1. Louisiana Civil Code – Residential Leases, Articles 2668–2729
2. Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:3261.1 – Domestic Abuse Protections
3. Louisiana Supreme Court Protective Order Forms
4. Louisiana District Courts

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