Louisiana Tenant Rights in Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Short-term vacation rentals are popular in Louisiana cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge. If you’re renting for less than 30 days—whether via online platforms or a local landlord—it’s important to understand how your rights differ from standard rental housing. This guide uses Louisiana law and government resources to help you navigate issues like evictions, security deposits, maintenance, and what to do if a landlord asks you to leave early.

What is a Short-Term Vacation Rental in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a short-term rental is a dwelling or room rented for under 30 consecutive days. These rentals commonly appear on services like Airbnb or VRBO. Short-term rentals are often not covered by the same tenant protections as long-term leases, but some basic rules and local ordinances may still apply.

Louisiana refers to the primary state-level law as Louisiana Civil Code: Lease of Things (Articles 2668–2721), which includes general tenant and landlord rules.^[1]

What Rights Do Short-Term Renters Have?

Short-term vacation renters in Louisiana typically have fewer rights than tenants under a traditional lease. However, some important protections remain:

• Right to a Habitable Premises: The landlord must provide a safe, clean, and habitable space during your stay.^[1]
• Right to Receive Services Promised: If your rental agreement guarantees utilities, appliances, or other services, your landlord must provide them.
• Right to Notice: For most short-term rentals, a landlord can end your stay with reasonable notice based on your agreement. If no agreement exists, state law allows termination after a period defined by the rental frequency.

Eviction Rules for Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Eviction processes for short-term tenants are usually faster and less formal than for regular renters, since most laws treat these arrangements as “hotel guests.” Landlords may not need to go through typical court eviction. However, if you stay beyond your agreed dates, the property owner may have to pursue forced entry and detainer proceedings in local court.^[2] Contact your parish courthouse for details, or see the Louisiana Supreme Court for court locator tools.

Security Deposits: What You Should Know

For short-term stays, Louisiana law does not require that a landlord collects or returns a security deposit in a certain manner. However, if you paid a deposit and have a written agreement, the landlord typically must return your deposit within 30 days after your stay ends, minus any lawful deductions. Learn more at the Louisiana Attorney General’s Renter & Tenant Resource Page.^[3]

Maintenance and Repairs

Even for a brief stay, your landlord is responsible for basic maintenance:

• Ensuring plumbing, electricity, and locks are functional
• Providing a clean, safe environment free from hazards

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice to Vacate (No Official Form): In Louisiana, landlords may give oral or written notice, but it’s best to request written documentation for clarity.
• Petition for Eviction (Louisiana Civil Form used by courts): If you refuse to leave after your term, landlords must file this form in local court. Renters would be served with a copy and have a short window to respond. An example and more details can be found at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court Forms Page (search "Petition for Eviction").
• Request for Return of Deposit (No Official State Form): Send your landlord a written request with your forwarding address. Use certified mail for proof. See a sample template at the Attorney General’s Tenant Resource page.

Which Agency Handles Rental Disputes?

There is no single statewide tribunal for rental disputes in Louisiana. Evictions and deposit disputes are handled by your local Parish or City Court (for example, the Orleans Parish Eviction Court).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me from a short-term rental without notice?
   Landlords must follow the agreement and provide notice unless you damage property or violate agreement terms. Local laws may affect notice requirements.
2. Are short-term renters protected against discrimination?
   Federal and state fair housing laws protect against discrimination in most rental situations, including some short-term rentals. Learn more via the Louisiana HUD office.
3. What should I do if I don’t get my security deposit back?
   Send a written demand for the deposit. If not returned in 30 days, you may file a claim in your local small claims court.
4. What is the difference between a short-term rental and a hotel?
   A hotel generally has daily housekeeping, on-site management, and is regulated under hospitality laws. Short-term rentals are regulated more like private homes.
5. If something breaks, does the landlord have to fix it during my stay?
   Yes. Louisiana law requires landlords to maintain safe, habitable conditions (even for short-term guests). Report issues promptly in writing if possible.

Key Takeaways for Louisiana Short-Term Renters

• Short-term vacation rentals in Louisiana have fewer tenant protections than traditional leases, but basic rights such as habitability and fair dealing still apply.
• Security deposit return timelines and eviction processes may be faster; written agreements help protect your interests.
• Local courts handle most disputes—keep records and act quickly if issues arise.

Understanding these basics will help you confidently resolve most rental problems or know when to seek additional advice.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Attorney General: Renter & Tenant Rights
• Louisiana Supreme Court (Court Finder Tool for Local Parish Courts)
• HUD Louisiana Office: Fair Housing
• Orleans Parish Eviction Court

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1. Louisiana Civil Code: Lease of Things (Articles 2668–2721)
2. Louisiana Supreme Court: Civil Court Procedures
3. Louisiana Attorney General: Renters’ & Tenants’ Rights

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