Start with the basic facts
If your Louisiana security deposit was not returned, write down the date the lease terminated, the date you returned possession, the deposit amount, and whether you gave a forwarding address.
Louisiana generally requires the landlord to return the deposit within one month after lease termination.
If the landlord kept money
If the landlord keeps any part of the deposit, the landlord must send an itemized statement accounting for what was kept and why.
The claimed retention should be tied to tenant default or unreasonable wear to the premises.
Send a written demand
If the landlord did not return the deposit or send a proper itemized statement, send a written demand and keep proof.
Louisiana's willful-failure structure is tied to failure to remit within 30 days after written demand.
Keep the record clean
Save the lease, photos, messages, forwarding-address proof, written demand, mailing receipts, itemized statement, and any refund records.
Related
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.