Louisiana Security Deposit Law Statute and Sources
Louisiana's main residential security deposit rules are La. R.S. 9:3251 and La. R.S. 9:3252.
Key source points
- The deposit is generally due within one month after the lease terminates.
- If the landlord retains any portion, the landlord must send an itemized statement accounting for what was kept and why.
- The tenant should furnish a forwarding address at lease termination.
- Failure to remit within 30 days after written demand can constitute willful failure.
- Willful failure can support the wrongfully retained amount plus $300 or twice that wrongfully retained amount, whichever is greater.
- The ordinary one-month rule does not apply the same way when the tenant abandons the premises.
Official sources used for this guide
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Important: This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.