What to Do If Your Landlord Breaks the Lease in Louisiana

If you're a renter in Louisiana and your landlord breaks the lease agreement, it's important to know your rights and what steps to take. State law protects tenants against improper lease termination and ensures landlords must follow certain rules. This guide explains how to respond, which official resources to use, and how Louisiana's rental laws protect you.

Understanding Lease Violations by Landlords

In Louisiana, a landlord may "break" the lease by:

• Unlawfully terminating your tenancy early without proper notice
• Failing to uphold major lease obligations (such as timely repairs or providing essential services)
• Entering your rental without notice, if your lease requires advance notice
• Raising rent or changing terms before lease end (except as allowed by law or contract)

The Louisiana statewide rental law is mainly found in the Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729 ^[1]. Lease contracts can provide additional protections. Be sure to review your signed lease for details.

Key Steps if Your Landlord Breaks Your Louisiana Lease

If you believe your landlord has broken the lease, take these actions to protect your rights and improve your chances of a fair outcome.

1. Document Everything

• Keep records of all communications with your landlord (emails, texts, letters).
• Save your lease agreement and any notices you receive.
• Document issues with photos, videos, or witness statements if possible.

2. Communicate in Writing

• Formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue.
• Request a remedy or clarification within a reasonable time frame (at least 5–10 days for most repairs).
• If your landlord does not respond or fix the problem, note the lack of action in your records.

3. Use Official Forms and Notices

Louisiana does not provide a single standardized form for all rental disputes, but the Notice to Vacate Form is commonly used for lease terminations. If your landlord tries unlawfully to evict you, they must provide a written Notice to Vacate (usually 5 days in advance for month-to-month tenants).

• Notice to Vacate: Used by landlords or tenants to officially end a lease. If you do not receive this and your landlord ends your lease, you may have grounds to challenge the action.

Example: If your landlord tries to evict you without giving proper notice, you can reference the Notice to Vacate requirement and challenge the eviction in court.

4. Contact the Official Tribunal for Rental Disputes

In Louisiana, eviction cases and most rental disputes are handled through the local Parish or City Court, not a specialized landlord-tenant board. Find your local court's information at the Louisiana Supreme Court's official directory site. If negotiations fail, you may present your case to the Parish/City Court where your rental property is located.

5. Consider Legal Advice

• You may wish to seek help from Louisiana State Bar Association or local Legal Aid offices, especially for complex disagreements or if you are threatened with eviction.

Relevant Louisiana Tenant Legislation

• Louisiana Civil Code: Articles 2668–2729 (Lease of Things) (Current as of 2024)
• Article 2714 — Obligations of the Lessor (Landlord)

For more on Louisiana tenant rights, see the Louisiana Attorney General's Renters & Landlords page.

FAQ: Landlord Lease Violations in Louisiana

1. What is considered a landlord breaking the lease in Louisiana?
   A landlord "breaks" the lease by not following its terms—for example, removing tenants without cause, failing to make essential repairs, or changing lease terms unfairly.
2. Do I need to use a specific form to report a lease violation?
   There is no mandatory state form, but written records and notices (such as the Notice to Vacate) are recommended to document issues for court or mediation.
3. Where do I file a complaint if I think my landlord broke the lease?
   Disputes are usually handled in your local Parish or City Court. Check with the court clerk for residential rental dispute instructions.
4. Can I withhold rent if my landlord breaks the lease?
   Under Louisiana law, you generally cannot withhold rent without a court order. Instead, request repairs in writing and seek court or legal assistance if problems persist.
5. What should I do if I'm threatened with an illegal eviction?
   Gather evidence, contact Legal Aid, and report the incident to your local court. Landlords must follow formal eviction processes under Louisiana law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Louisiana Renters

• Keep detailed records and communicate in writing if your landlord breaks the lease.
• Know your rights under Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729.
• Use official resources (courts, Attorney General, Legal Aid) for guidance and filing disputes.

By understanding the process, you can protect your rights as a Louisiana renter and seek fair solutions if your landlord breaks the lease.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Attorney General: Renter-Landlord Disputes
• Louisiana State Courts: Find Your Local Parish/City Court
• Louisiana Law Help (Legal Aid Resource Directory)
• Louisiana State Bar Association: Lawyer Referral

---

1. Louisiana Civil Code: Lease of Things (Articles 2668–2729)
2. Louisiana State Courts (Parish/City Court Directory)
3. Louisiana Attorney General: Renter-Landlord Dispute Information

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