Louisiana Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Louisiana Rental Lease Agreement Templates

A Louisiana lease agreement is the contract that a property owner and tenant sign to document the terms of a rental. It specifies the rent amount, payment schedule, lease duration, security deposit, maintenance duties, and conditions for ending the arrangement.

Louisiana does not cap security deposits, does not require a grace period for late rent, and has no statutory notice requirement for landlord entry. Landlords must disclose any pending foreclosure within seven days and return deposits within one month of the lease ending.

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Types (6)

Commercial

For leasing office space, buildings, or other non-residential property to a business tenant under a fixed-term contract.

 

Lease-to-Own (PDF)

Combines a standard rental with a purchase option, giving the tenant the ability to buy the leased property at the end of the lease term.

 

Month-to-Month

A rolling lease with no fixed end date that either party may terminate by providing at least 10 days’ notice before the end of the monthly period.

 

Roommate (PDF)

An informal agreement between individuals sharing a rental to set rules on rent, utilities, guests, noise, and household responsibilities.

 

Standard (Residential)

Governs the rental of a residential dwelling in Louisiana for a fixed period, with terms guided by the state’s Civil Code.

 

Sublease (PDF)

Allows a current tenant to transfer their lease obligations to a new occupant for the remaining term, subject to the conditions of the original lease.

 

Renting in Louisiana

Most Common Rental Type Single-Family Homes
Average Rent $1,064/mo
Households That Rent 31.9%
Average Renter Household Size 2.2
Rental Vacancy Rate 9.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2024)[7] & Housing Vacancy Survey (2024)[8]

What is a Louisiana Lease Agreement?

A Louisiana lease agreement governs the relationship between a landlord and tenant for the duration of a rental. It places each side’s obligations in writing so that both parties have a shared point of reference.

Unlike most of the country, Louisiana follows a civil law system, so lease obligations come from the state’s Civil Code rather than from common law case precedent. The Code requires landlords to deliver the premises in good condition and to make all necessary repairs during the tenancy.

State Laws & Guides

Laws: La. R.S. §§ 9:3251–3261 – Landlord-Tenant Statutes | La. CC Art. 2668–2729 – Lease

Guides:

When is Rent Due?

Rent is due at the beginning of the lease term unless a different schedule is established in the agreement.[1] Louisiana does not have a state-mandated grace period. Late fees are not capped by state statute but must be specified in the lease.

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Louisiana does not have a specific statute governing landlord entry. In practice, landlords may enter without notice in an emergency.

Non-Emergency: While no specific notice period is set by statute, landlords are expected to provide reasonable notice before entering during reasonable hours. Most landlords provide at least 24 hours’ notice as a standard practice.

Landlord’s Duties

Under Louisiana law, landlords must:[2]

  • Delivery: Deliver the rental property to the tenant in a condition suitable for the intended use.
  • Habitability: Maintain the dwelling in a condition suitable for the purpose for which it was leased.
  • Peaceful Enjoyment: Ensure the tenant can use the premises without disturbance.

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants must comply with the following:[3]

  • Rent: Pay the agreed-upon rent on time and in full.
  • Intended Use: Use the property only for the purpose for which it was leased.
  • Property Care: Return the dwelling in the same condition as received, excluding normal wear and tear.

Required Disclosures

Foreclosure Disclosure (§ 9:3260.1): If the rental property is subject to a pending foreclosure action, the landlord must disclose this in writing within 7 days.[4]

Lead-Based Paint: Required under federal law for all dwellings built before 1978. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA information pamphlet.[5]

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount: Louisiana does not set a maximum security deposit by statute.

Returning to Tenant: The deposit must be returned within 1 month of the lease ending. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions and the reasons for each within the same period.[6]

Deposit Interest: Not required under Louisiana law.

Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may deduct for:[6]

  • Unpaid rent or other amounts owed under the lease
  • Damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear