Louisiana's wording
Louisiana's deposit statute uses the phrase "unreasonable wear to the premises."
That means this page should not pretend Louisiana uses a perfectly neat ordinary-wear formula. The practical idea is still useful: normal use is different from damage or wear that is unreasonable.
What ordinary use can look like
Ordinary use can include light wear, aging, and minor marks that come from living in a rental in a normal way.
That is different from broken fixtures, heavy damage, missing items, or conditions caused by misuse or neglect.
What proof helps
Photos and videos matter. So do move-in records, move-out records, maintenance messages, cleaning records, and any itemized statement from the landlord.
The clearer the condition record is, the easier it is to challenge a charge that does not fit tenant default or unreasonable wear.
Official sources used for this guide
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.