Louisiana · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Louisiana security deposit law

How much a landlord in Louisiana can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

Short answer

In Louisiana, the deposit limit is: no statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: The landlord must return the deposit within one month after the lease ends.

deposit limit
No statewide limit
to return a deposit
30 days
deposit penalty
Up to 2× (willful)

Security deposit in Louisiana

Limit
no statewide limit
Deadline to return it
The landlord must return the deposit within one month after the lease ends. If the landlord keeps any part, the landlord must send an itemized statement; since August 1, 2026 the landlord may send that statement up to 15 days after the one-month mark. Give the landlord your forwarding address when you move out. This rule does not apply if you abandon the home without giving the required notice or leave before the lease ends.
Itemized list
Yes, if any part is kept: an itemized statement of what was kept and why. Receipts are not required by the statute.
What may be deducted
Amounts reasonably needed to cover your default (such as unpaid rent) or to fix unreasonable wear to the home. Normal wear and tear may not be charged.
Interest
no
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
If the landlord willfully fails to follow the law, you can recover the amount wrongly kept plus $300 or twice the amount wrongly kept, whichever is greater. Not returning the deposit within 30 days after your written demand counts as willful. The court may, in its discretion, also award costs and attorney's fees to the winner (R.S. 9:3253). Any lease clause waiving these rights is void.
Law
La. R.S. 9:3251-3254 (as amended by Act 63 of 2026)

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Louisiana: Give the landlord your forwarding address when you move out.
  3. Wait for the deadline: The landlord must return the deposit within one month after the lease ends.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000 in city court small claims divisions and Justice of the Peace courts. Small claims court in Louisiana on Small Claims Map

Deposit return calculator for Louisiana

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

Security deposit demand letter for Louisiana

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

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.

We suggest 14 days.

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

Small claims court in Louisiana

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $5,000 in city court small claims divisions and Justice of the Peace courts.

How to file in Louisiana

Questions about security deposits in Louisiana

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Louisiana?

no statewide limit

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?

The landlord must return the deposit within one month after the lease ends. If the landlord keeps any part, the landlord must send an itemized statement; since August 1, 2026 the landlord may send that statement up to 15 days after the one-month mark. Give the landlord your forwarding address when you move out. This rule does not apply if you abandon the home without giving the required notice or leave before the lease ends.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Louisiana?

If the landlord willfully fails to follow the law, you can recover the amount wrongly kept plus $300 or twice the amount wrongly kept, whichever is greater. Not returning the deposit within 30 days after your written demand counts as willful. The court may, in its discretion, also award costs and attorney's fees to the winner (R.S. 9:3253). Any lease clause waiving these rights is void.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Louisiana?

Amounts reasonably needed to cover your default (such as unpaid rent) or to fix unreasonable wear to the home. Normal wear and tear may not be charged.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Louisiana?

no

What is the small claims limit in Louisiana?

$5,000 in city court small claims divisions and Justice of the Peace courts.

More for Louisiana renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.