Louisiana Security Deposit Law
Under La. R.S. § 9:3251, § 9:3252, landlords in Louisiana have a strict deadline of 30 calendar days to return your security deposit. Wrongful bad-faith retention entitles tenants to recover up to Up to 2× deposit amount.
Statutory Overview & Bad-Faith Clauses: La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251 through § 9:3252 requires landlords to return deposits and itemized statements within 30 days. Willful failure to return or account for the deposit within 30 days allows the tenant to recover actual damages or $300 (whichever is greater), plus double damages and attorney fees.
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Statutory 30-day return deadline under La. R.S. § 9:3251, § 9:3252.
Statutory deadlines begin the day you vacate and return the keys.
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Louisiana Security Deposit Law Quick Facts
Statutory figures codified for demand letters and small claims court filing
| Deadline to Return Deposit | 30 Calendar Days |
|---|---|
| Statutory Bad-Faith Penalty Multiplier | 2× Deposit Value + $300 |
| Small Claims Court Dollar Limit | $5,000 |
| Itemized Deduction Receipt Requirements | Mandatory written itemization with repair receipts |
| Official Government Statute (.gov) | La. R.S. § 9:3251, § 9:3252 |
Normal Wear & Tear vs. Damage Under Louisiana Law
Landlords in Louisiana frequently attempt to pass routine apartment turnover costs onto departing tenants. Under state statute, deductions for natural aging and ordinary occupancy are illegal.
- ✓Normal wear and tear
- ✓Repainting faded walls
- ✓Pre-existing damage
- ✓Routine carpet cleaning
- ✓Minor scuff marks on walls
- ✓Worn carpet from normal use
- ✓Faded or sun-bleached paint
- ✓Minor nail holes from hanging pictures
- ✓Deductions without written itemization within 1 month
- ✗Large drywall holes, cracked mirrors, or broken interior doors
- ✗Carpet burns, bleach spills, or permanent pet urine staining
- ✗Unauthorized dark wall paint or peeling permanent adhesive
- ✗Shattered windows, missing blinds, or broken appliances
Frequently Asked Questions: Louisiana Deposit Law
Clear legal answers for tenants recovering withheld rental funds.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?
Under La. R.S. § 9:3251, § 9:3252, your landlord has exactly 30 days after you surrender the premises and return the keys to return your deposit or provide an itemized written statement of lawful deductions.
Can I sue for double or triple my deposit in Louisiana?
Yes. If your landlord withholds your deposit in bad faith or fails to provide an itemized statement within 30 days, Louisiana law allows tenants to sue for the unreturned balance plus statutory damages up to 2× the deposit amount. Additionally, statutory bonuses of $300 may apply.
Do I need to send a certified demand letter in Louisiana?
Yes, sending a formal demand letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt is critical. Small claims court judges require verifiable proof of delivery before awarding statutory penalties or attorney fees.
What is the small claims court limit in Louisiana?
The individual small claims limit in Louisiana is $5,000. If your total recovery target (deposit plus statutory penalties) is within this cap, you can litigate affordably without paying expensive attorney retainers.