The short answer
Louisiana allows a landlord to retain only the portion of the deposit reasonably necessary to remedy tenant default or unreasonable wear to the premises.
If any amount is retained, the landlord must send an itemized statement accounting for what was kept and why.
Tenant default
Tenant default can include unpaid obligations or other lease failures that create a real deposit claim.
The landlord should still be able to explain the charge and the amount.
Unreasonable wear
Louisiana uses the phrase "unreasonable wear" rather than the more familiar phrase "ordinary wear and tear."
In plain English, ordinary use and aging are different from unreasonable wear. The important question is whether the charge is tied to something beyond normal use and whether the amount is supported.
Official sources used for this guide
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Related
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.