Can a landlord refuse to rent to me if I have a criminal record in Louisiana?

Landlords can consider criminal history, but blanket bans on all convictions may violate fair housing law if they disproportionately impact protected groups. Each application should be judged on its own facts.

Are arrest records the same as convictions for rental decisions?

No. Arrests that did not result in convictions should not be treated the same as convictions. Landlords should focus on actual convictions when making rental decisions.

What are my options if a landlord denies me for a conviction from years ago?

You may request an explanation, provide context for your conviction, and, if you suspect discrimination, file a complaint using HUD Form 903 or through the Louisiana Housing Corporation.

Where do I report housing discrimination in Louisiana?

File with the Louisiana Housing Corporation or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Can I see the background check my landlord used?

Yes. You may request a copy of your consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act if your application was denied based on background information.

Louisiana Rental Applications and Criminal Background Checks

Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Louisiana published: June 21, 2025

If you're planning to rent a home or apartment in Louisiana, you may wonder if landlords are allowed to ask about your criminal history when you apply. Understanding your rights is essential to ensure the application process is fair and legal under Louisiana and federal law. This guide explains criminal background checks, what questions landlords may ask, and how state and federal fair housing laws affect your chances of renting.

Can Landlords Ask About Criminal History in Louisiana?

Louisiana law currently permits landlords to ask rental applicants about their criminal history and to conduct criminal background checks. However, landlords must follow federal anti-discrimination rules when using this information to decide who is approved for housing.

What Does the Law Say?

Louisiana does not have a statewide law restricting landlords from inquiring about prior convictions.
Federal law—specifically the Fair Housing Act—prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) warns that blanket bans on applicants with any criminal record may result in illegal discrimination if the policy has a disparate impact on protected groups.

This means that while landlords in Louisiana may check criminal records, they must avoid policies that operate as a form of indirect discrimination. Applicants should not be automatically denied just because they have any kind of criminal record. Instead, a landlord should consider the type, severity, and recency of any conviction.^[1]

Fair Screening Practices for Criminal History

Landlords should not reject applicants based solely on arrests that did not lead to convictions.
They should provide an opportunity for applicants to explain the circumstances of any criminal record.^[2]
Applying a consistent screening process for all applicants helps prevent potential discrimination claims.

Note that public housing and federally assisted housing options follow additional guidelines. If you're applying for government-subsidized housing, stricter rules may apply to applicants with certain types of convictions.^[3]

Tip: If you believe a landlord's criminal history policy unfairly targets you or members of a protected class, consider seeking help from Louisiana's fair housing agencies or HUD.

Official Tenant and Fair Housing Forms in Louisiana

While Louisiana does not have an official state-wide rental application form, there are essential forms you should know:

HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
Usage: If you believe you were denied housing or treated unfairly due to your background and suspect discrimination (e.g., race, national origin, disability), you can file Form 903 with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. You may file this form online, by mail, or call for assistance.
File fair housing discrimination complaint (Form 903)
Louisiana Fair Housing Complaint Submission – Through the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC), renters can report housing discrimination suspected under the Fair Housing Act.

Many rental application forms ask about criminal convictions. Before submitting, you can ask to see what kind of background check will be conducted and request a copy of your report if you are denied housing based on it.

Which Agency Handles Rental Disputes and Tenant Rights in Louisiana?

Louisiana does not have a dedicated tribunal specifically for tenant-landlord disputes. Instead, most disputes are handled in the civil division of local Parish Courts (sometimes called City Courts or Justice of the Peace Courts). For issues involving discrimination or fair housing:

For direct rental disputes (not involving discrimination), you may need to file in the local Parish Court where the rental property is located.

Relevant Legislation for Tenants

Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Outlines general tenant and landlord rights in Louisiana
Federal Fair Housing Act – Prohibits housing discrimination

Both state and federal laws play a role in rental applications involving criminal history checks. Always review any decision for fairness and consistency with these legal standards.

FAQ: Louisiana Renters and Criminal History Questions

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me if I have a criminal record in Louisiana?
Landlords can consider criminal history, but blanket bans on all convictions may violate fair housing law if they disproportionately impact protected groups. Each application should be judged on its own facts.
Are arrest records the same as convictions for rental decisions?
No. Arrests that did not result in convictions should not be treated the same as convictions. Landlords should focus on actual convictions when making rental decisions.
What are my options if a landlord denies me for a conviction from years ago?
You may request an explanation, provide context for your conviction, and, if you suspect discrimination, file a complaint using HUD Form 903 or through the Louisiana Housing Corporation.
Where do I report housing discrimination in Louisiana?
File with the Louisiana Housing Corporation or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Can I see the background check my landlord used?
Yes. You may request a copy of your consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act if your application was denied based on background information.

Key Takeaways for Louisiana Renters

Landlords in Louisiana are allowed to ask about and check criminal history, but must avoid discrimination based on protected characteristics.
Decisions should be individual and based on facts, not automatic rejections for any record.
If you face possible discrimination, helpful state and federal agencies are available to support you.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Louisiana Housing Corporation – Fair Housing Resources
HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
To file rental disputes not related to discrimination, contact your local Louisiana Parish Court.
Read the full text of the Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for more details on your rights.

^[1] See the Fair Housing Act guidance from the DOJ.
^[2] HUD Office of General Counsel Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records (April 2016): HUD Guidance on Criminal Records.
^[3] Review HUD Notice PIH 2015-19 for federally assisted housing criminal background screening policies.