Louisiana · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

Louisiana tenant repair rights

What a landlord in Louisiana must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

The landlord must keep the home in a condition suitable for the purpose it was rented for and make all necessary repairs during the lease, except those that are the tenant's responsibility (Civil Code arts.

Repair and deduct
Allowed (with conditions)
Withholding rent
Not allowed
Notice before entry
No statute

Repairs in Louisiana

The landlord's duty
The landlord must keep the home in a condition suitable for the purpose it was rented for and make all necessary repairs during the lease, except those that are the tenant's responsibility (Civil Code arts. 2682, 2691).
How to ask for repairs
Ask the landlord to make the repair (a written, dated request is best; keep a copy). The law gives the landlord a 'reasonable time'; no fixed number of days.
Repair and deduct
Allowed. If the landlord does not make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after you ask, you may have them made and either demand immediate repayment or subtract the cost from rent, but only if the repair was necessary and the cost reasonable (Civil Code art. 2694). Your lease may limit this right; check it.
Withholding rent
not allowed; there is no rent escrow law. Only the repair-and-deduct remedy above.
Law
Louisiana Civil Code arts. 2682, 2691, 2694

Landlord entry in Louisiana

no statute; check your lease. The landlord must protect your peaceful possession during the lease (Civil Code art. 2682).

Retaliation in Louisiana

No general statute protecting tenants from retaliation.

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In Louisiana: Ask the landlord to make the repair (a written, dated request is best; keep a copy).
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for Louisiana

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Louisiana's rule on asking for repairs:Ask the landlord to make the repair (a written, dated request is best; keep a copy). The law gives the landlord a 'reasonable time'; no fixed number of days.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in Louisiana

Questions about repairs in Louisiana

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Louisiana?

Ask the landlord to make the repair (a written, dated request is best; keep a copy). The law gives the landlord a 'reasonable time'; no fixed number of days.

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Louisiana?

Allowed. If the landlord does not make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after you ask, you may have them made and either demand immediate repayment or subtract the cost from rent, but only if the repair was necessary and the cost reasonable (Civil Code art. 2694). Your lease may limit this right; check it.

Can I withhold rent for repairs in Louisiana?

not allowed; there is no rent escrow law. Only the repair-and-deduct remedy above.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Louisiana?

no statute; check your lease. The landlord must protect your peaceful possession during the lease (Civil Code art. 2682).

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Louisiana?

No general statute protecting tenants from retaliation.

More for Louisiana renters

Repairs in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.