Louisiana Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of lease and tenant vacating.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages; willful failure may result in penalties up to $200 under La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251(C).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $5,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord must return deposit with itemized statement within 30 days
- If landlord fails to timely return, may be liable for penalties
What Your Louisiana Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Louisiana's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
tenant may recover actual damages; willful failure may result in penalties up to $200 — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Louisiana Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Louisiana?
Under La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of lease and tenant vacating to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Louisiana landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages; willful failure may result in penalties up to $200 under La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251(C). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Louisiana?
Under La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251, the maximum security deposit in Louisiana is no statutory limit.
Does my Louisiana landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Louisiana law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana small claims court handles cases up to $5,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Louisiana?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Louisiana-specific demand letter citing La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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