Louisiana security deposit rules
Louisiana sets no statutory limit on the size of a security deposit. The deposit must be returned within one month after the lease terminates, with an itemized statement for any amount retained. Effective 2026-08-01 (Act 63 of 2026, HB 292), the itemized statement may be sent within one month or within 15 days after the date that is one month after termination.. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
No statutory limit. Returned Within one month after the lease terminates, with an itemized statement for any amount retained. Effective 2026-08-01 (Act 63 of 2026, HB 292), the itemized statement may be sent within one month or within 15 days after the date that is one month after termination.. Willful failure to comply exposes landlord to actual damages or $300, whichever is greater, plus fees (R.S. 9:3252 - not read in this pass). No cap and no interest requirement. Statute text read on FindLaw mirror (current as of 2023-01-01) and via legis.la.gov search snippet; the official page https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=107468 could not be fetched. 2026 Act 63 (HB 292) amendment to 9:3251(A) effective 2026-08-01 confirmed only via secondary source (leaselenses.com) and the legis.la.gov bill listing.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 30-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing La. R.S. 9:3251. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Louisiana rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap or grace period; late fees are governed by the lease. Confirmed only via secondary sources (absence of statute). Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: 10 calendar days before the end of the month for month-to-month (indeterminate-term) leases; 5 days before end of week for week-to-week; the lease may require longer. Civil Code art. 2728. Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Louisiana landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Louisiana?
There is no statutory cap in Louisiana; the market and the lease decide. Willful failure to comply exposes landlord to actual damages or $300, whichever is greater, plus fees (R.S. 9:3252 - not read in this pass). No cap and no interest requirement. Statute text read on FindLaw mirror (current as of 2023-01-01) and via legis.la.gov search snippet; the official page https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=107468 could not be fetched. 2026 Act 63 (HB 292) amendment to 9:3251(A) effective 2026-08-01 confirmed only via secondary source (leaselenses.com) and the legis.la.gov bill listing.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?
Within one month after the lease terminates, with an itemized statement for any amount retained. Effective 2026-08-01 (Act 63 of 2026, HB 292), the itemized statement may be sent within one month or within 15 days after the date that is one month after termination.. The statute is La. R.S. 9:3251.
Does a Louisiana landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Louisiana law does not require interest on residential security deposits.