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Louisiana Laws for Landlords
Your Resource for laws affecting landlords in Louisiana

(Information is updated daily)

Landlord Legislation in Louisiana

Below is a list of laws for landlords in Louisiana. New resources, bills and articles are updated daily. You can also type in a Bill Number or Keyword in the search bar to find additional details on laws.

HB674 Dedicates funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Faith-Based Communities Outreach Fund (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Dedicates funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Faith-Based Communities Outreach Fund (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Sponsors
Gary Carter
Last Action
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb674/

HB642 Provides for the disbursement of monies received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (EN NO IMPACT SD EX See Note)

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Provides for the disbursement of monies received from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (EN NO IMPACT SD EX See Note)
Sponsors
Clay Schexnayder Jerome Zeringue Patrick Cortez
Last Action
Effective date: See Act.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb642/

SB167 Provides for the transfer and use of certain monies to the Oilfield Site and Restoration Fund. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT SD EX See Note)

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Provides for the transfer and use of certain monies to the Oilfield Site and Restoration Fund. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT SD EX See Note)
Sponsors
R Allain
Last Action
Effective date 6/15/2021.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-sb167/

SB228 Creates the Louisiana Agricultural Recovery Fund and Program. (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Creates the Louisiana Agricultural Recovery Fund and Program. (gov sig) (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Sponsors
Katrina Jackson Travis Johnson Frederick Jones Francis Thompson
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Finance.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-sb228/

HB687 Creates the American Rescue Plan Act Small Business and Nonprofit Youth Employment Fund and dedicates certain federal monies to the fund

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Creates the American Rescue Plan Act Small Business and Nonprofit Youth Employment Fund and dedicates certain federal monies to the fund
Sponsors
Samuel Jenkins
Last Action
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb687/

HR68 Requests that certain federal funds received be deployed by the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation for certain state seed capital programs

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Requests that certain federal funds received be deployed by the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation for certain state seed capital programs
Sponsors
Matthew Willard Daryl Adams Stuart Bishop Gary Carter Wilford Carter Paula Davis Aimee Freeman Kyle Green Jason Hughes John Illg Patrick Jefferson Samuel Jenkins Ed Larvadain Rodney Lyons Candace Newell Tammy Phelps Vincent Pierre Neil Riser Larry Selders Joseph Stagni
Last Action
Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hr68/

SR178 Requests certain federal funds received be deployed by the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation for certain state seed capital programs.

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Requests certain federal funds received be deployed by the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation for certain state seed capital programs.
Sponsors
Franklin Foil
Last Action
Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 6/4/2021.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-sr178/

HR32 Requests the Louisiana Legislature to prioritize spending monies received by the state from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 on certain existing obligations

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Requests the Louisiana Legislature to prioritize spending monies received by the state from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 on certain existing obligations
Sponsors
Phillip Tarver
Last Action
Withdrawn from the files of the House.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hr32/

HB673 Dedicates funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Home Ownership and Personal Equity Fund (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Dedicates funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Home Ownership and Personal Equity Fund (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
Sponsors
Gary Carter
Last Action
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb673/

HB686 Dedicates funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Hudson Initiative and Veteran Initiative certified small businesses

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Dedicates funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to Hudson Initiative and Veteran Initiative certified small businesses
Sponsors
Gary Carter
Last Action
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb686/

HB683 Provides relative to the use of federal funds received by the state from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for projects in the capital outlay budget

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Provides relative to the use of federal funds received by the state from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for projects in the capital outlay budget
Sponsors
Stuart Bishop
Last Action
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb683/

HB651 Provides for dedication of federal funds if received to certain Louisiana seed capital programs

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Provides for dedication of federal funds if received to certain Louisiana seed capital programs
Sponsors
Matthew Willard Paula Davis Franklin Foil
Last Action
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb651/

HB241 Provides for a filing fee for certain eviction proceedings

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Provides for a filing fee for certain eviction proceedings
Sponsors
Mandie Landry Matthew Willard Royce Duplessis Jason Hughes
Last Action
Read by title, returned to the calendar.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb241/

HB375 Provides relative to sexual assault victims as parties to certain residential lease agreements

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Provides relative to sexual assault victims as parties to certain residential lease agreements
Sponsors
Aimee Freeman Daryl Adams Marcus Bryant Rhonda Butler Barbara Carpenter Gary Carter Mack Cormier Kenny Cox Michael Echols Cedric Glover Kyle Green Dodie Horton Jason Hughes Patrick Jefferson Samuel Jenkins Mandie Landry Ed Larvadain Denise Marcelle Pat Moore Candace Newell Tammy Phelps Malinda White Matthew Willard Regina Barrow Patrick Cortez Cleo Fields Franklin Foil Sharon Hewitt Katrina Jackson Robert Mills Beth Mizell Karen Peterson
Last Action
Effective date: 06/01/2021.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb375/

HB374 Provides relative to residential lease applications

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Provides relative to residential lease applications
Sponsors
Royce Duplessis
Last Action
Effective date: 08/01/2021.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb374/

HB225 Provides relative to tax sale property

Introduced Session

2021 Regular Session

Summary
Provides relative to tax sale property
Sponsors
Tammy Phelps
Last Action
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2021-hb225/

SR52 Recreates and provides for Task Force on Prevention of Human Degradation and Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals in Community-Based Residential Settings.

Introduced Session

2020 Second Extraordinary Session

Summary
Recreates and provides for Task Force on Prevention of Human Degradation and Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals in Community-Based Residential Settings.
Sponsors
Regina Barrow
Last Action
Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 10/26/2020.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2020-sr52/

SB73 Provides funding and requirements for eligible rental businesses from the La. Main Street Recovery Program. (gov sig) (Items #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20) (EGF SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)

Introduced Session

2020 Second Extraordinary Session

Summary
Provides funding and requirements for eligible rental businesses from the La. Main Street Recovery Program. (gov sig) (Items #16, #17, #18, #19, and #20) (EGF SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Sponsors
Regina Barrow
Last Action
Received in the House from the Senate, rules suspended, read by title, referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2020-sb73/

HB46 Provides relative to the sealing of eviction records (Items #68 and 70)

Introduced Session

2020 Second Extraordinary Session

Summary
Provides relative to the sealing of eviction records (Items #68 and 70)
Sponsors
Edward James
Last Action
Read by title, rules suspended, referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2020-hb46/

SB46 Provides relative to the sealing of eviction records. (gov sig) (Items #68 and #70)

Introduced Session

2020 Second Extraordinary Session

Summary
Provides relative to the sealing of eviction records. (gov sig) (Items #68 and #70)
Sponsors
Regina Barrow
Last Action
Rules suspended. Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary A.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2020-sb46/

SCR58 Requests that the mayor and the City Council of the city of New Orleans study the rate of evictions in New Orleans including causes.

Introduced Session

2019 Regular Session

Summary
Requests that the mayor and the City Council of the city of New Orleans study the rate of evictions in New Orleans including causes.
Sponsors
Wesley Bishop Joseph Bouie
Last Action
Sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2019-scr58/

SB28 Provides relative to residential leases and eviction requirements.

Introduced Session

2019 Regular Session

Summary
Provides relative to residential leases and eviction requirements.
Sponsors
Edward Price
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary A.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2019-sb28/

SR203 Continues the Task Force on Prevention of Human Degradation and Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals in Community-Based Residential Settings.

Introduced Session

2019 Regular Session

Summary
Continues the Task Force on Prevention of Human Degradation and Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals in Community-Based Residential Settings.
Sponsors
Regina Barrow
Last Action
Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2019-sr203/

HB41 Provides relative to the membership of the governing board of the Housing Authority of New Orleans

Introduced Session

2019 Regular Session

Summary
Provides relative to the membership of the governing board of the Housing Authority of New Orleans
Sponsors
John Bagneris
Last Action
Effective date: 08/01/2019.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2019-hb41/

HB386 Provides relative to security deposits for residential leases

Introduced Session

2018 Regular Session

Summary
Provides relative to security deposits for residential leases
Sponsors
Katrina Jackson
Last Action
Involuntarily deferred in committee.
View Details
https://lawsforlandlords.com/bill/la-2018-hb386/
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Must-Know Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Laws

Law For Landlords

In the U.S., there are nearly 48.5 million rental units. A little over half of these rental units are owned by business entities, while the rest are owned by individual investors.

There are a lot of good reasons to own rental property in, including providing a passive income source as well as the potential for property value appreciation. Many Americans have managed to make rental property ownership their full-time job, while others might keep a few rental properties as a way of making extra income.

If you are considering becoming a landlord, you likely have a lot of questions. What regulations do landlords need to know? What should I know as a landlord in general?

Understanding landlord-tenant laws is essential for protecting yourself legally and financially. Here’s a brief guide for self-managing landlords regarding some of the most important federal and state laws.

The Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act is one of the two major federal laws that impact all property managers and landlords across the country. This is a law that prohibits discrimination due to national origin, race, religion, color, disability, sex or familial status. This law applies to:

  • Renting or buying a home
  • Seeking housing assistance
  • Getting a mortgage
  • Engaging in other housing-related activities

This law extends beyond leasing where landlords are concerned. It also applies to advertising, meaning that it is illegal to market your properties to any specific group of people.

Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a law that requires landlords to do a number of things when running a credit check. These include receiving permission from an applicant to run a credit report, informing the applicant if their credit report was the basis for adverse action or denial, and providing specific information regarding the credit reporting agency they used

Law Paint Law

It is required by landlords under federal law to disclose the presence of lead paint. They are not required to remove lead paint under federal law, but state laws might dictate otherwise. It’s important to learn about your state and municipality laws regarding lead paint in addition to the federal law.

Discrimination Law

Beyond the Federal Fair Housing Act, state and local laws might provide additional protection beyond the federal law. These might extend protections to people based on their sexual orientation, age, marital status, political association and even hairstyle.

Tenant Duties

While your tenant is responsible for some things, you should know what those things are as the landlord. Then, you can include those duties in your lease agreement. If a tenant doesn’t fulfill their duties, you may be able to provide a notice to vacate in law. Your tenants need to comply with local health and building codes to keep themselves and others safe. They also need to dispose of garbage safely and legally, and they need to use the property reasonably. That means living in the property, but unreasonable uses could include conducting business. Tenants are also responsible for keeping the property clean on a daily basis. They also can’t do anything that would disturb their neighbors, especially if you own a duplex or a similar property. A tenant must also ensure their guests also comply with these requirements. And whenever your tenant has any issues, they must notify you so that you can correct the problem.

Security Deposit Limit

Before a tenant moves in, you can charge them a security deposit. Fortunately, doesn’t have any limitations regarding the amount the deposit can be. You can set an amount based on the property’s rent or value. And you can charge a security deposit for short-term or long-term leases. Then, you can hold onto that amount for the duration of the tenant’s stay. While you can use the money from the deposit, it’s smart to keep it in a separate account. When the tenant moves out, you can make sure you have enough money to pay them back. You can outline the terms of the security deposit, such as the amount and when you will return it, in your lease agreement. That way, you and your tenant both understand the terms, and you can use similar language if you ever buy property in another state.

A Legal Lease Document

Each state and some municipalities might have laws regarding the lease contract. Rental contracts must abide by all laws and be legally written. It is necessary to indicate tenant names, monthly rental rates, and leasing periods clearly.

In some jurisdictions, it is required that certain legal disclosures be included in the lease document. Working with a lawyer to produce your rental contract can help ensure that the lease provides all of the required information and doesn’t break any federal, state, or local laws.

Required Disclosures

It is common in many states to require landlords to inform tenants about individual landlord policies, certain state laws, or specific information about the rental. It might be required that this is disclosed within the lease itself or in additional documentation.

It’s important to look into your state’s requirements about disclosures. However, some commonly required disclosures include notice of recent deaths, mold, meth contamination, or other safety or health hazards.

Providing a Safe Environment

One important landlord-tenant law has to do with the habitability of the rental unit. The definition of “safe, habitable condition” might be different between states. For this reason, you must familiarize yourself with the laws for landlords in your location.

Typically, this means that the property cannot have serious deficiencies. It also means that fixtures, appliances, heating, and plumbing need to be in working order. You also cannot rent out a property that is infested with pests or insects.

 Landlords are usually responsible for dealing with infestations even if the outbreak happens after the tenant moves in. However, in many states, this can be avoided by specifying that the renter is responsible for pest control.

Laws About Making Repairs

In the lease agreement, it will be outlined that the tenants are responsible for reporting necessary repairs. It then becomes the landlord’s responsibility to complete the repairs within an appropriate amount of time.

If a landlord doesn’t make a repair in a timely manner in a way that impacts the safety or health of a tenant, a tenant might have the right to withhold rent.

Security Deposits

It is common for landlords to require a security deposit from the tenant. This is in order to cover the costs of any damage the tenant causes or if they fail to pay rent. A landlord must refund the security deposit unless it is needed to cover the cost of fixing property damage or covering default rent payments.

In some states, how the security deposit is kept is dictated by the law. It is also typically required that an itemized list of deductions must be provided to the tenant if the landlord is using some of the deposit for these purposes.

The unused portion of the deposit must be returned and the itemized statement must be provided. If they aren’t, the landlord can face financial and legal repercussions.

Renters Right To Privacy

Most landlord-tenant rules and regulations cover the right to quiet enjoyment of a tenant. This means that it is their right to live on a property undisturbed. The landlord must give proper notice before entering the rental unit, which is usually 24 to 48 hours unless there is an emergency.

Landlords can only enter the rental property for valid reasons and at a reasonable time of day after giving notice.

Landlord-Tenant Laws: Essential For Protecting Yourself Legally and Financially

Without a good understanding of landlord-tenant laws, you can find yourself in a mess of legal and financial trouble. It’s therefore very important to familiarize yourself with the federal, state, and local laws regarding the rights of tenants and the responsibilities of landlords.

Are you looking for more valuable resources to serve as a guide for self-managing landlords? You can find more You can find more resources and guides here.

Reviewing Laws for Landlords

Understanding laws for landlords is essential for keeping your properties up and running. It can also protect you and your finances if you have a problematic tenant or experience other issues. Whether you just bought your first rental property or are looking to expand, you should understand how these laws affect you. That way, you won’t have to worry about losing everything. Do you want to learn more about laws for landlords? Let us know.

Please understand that because of the nature of the topic, this page has been written in a generalized form. Further guidance should be sought on the topic being searched by the landlord.

Louisiana Landlord Legislation Blog

Governor’s Latest Executive Order

KEY FACTS: Issued:  October 15, 2020
Expires:  November 14, 2020 Caveat:
Late Fee Prohibition Remains in Effect
Through December 31, 2020 KEY ISSUES:
Rent Demands: Extends 30-day rent
demand until November 14th The 30-day
rent demand applies to ALL Landlords
(residential and commercial). Late Fees:
The Order establishes a ban […]

Readmore

Governor’s Latest Executive Order

KEY FACTS: Issued:  October 15, 2020
Expires:  November 14, 2020 Caveat:
Late Fee Prohibition Remains in Effect
Through December 31, 2020 KEY ISSUES:
Rent Demands: Extends 30-day rent
demand until November 14th The 30-day
rent demand applies to ALL Landlords
(residential and commercial). Late Fees:
The Order establishes a ban […]

Readmore

Governor’s Latest Executive Order

KEY FACTS: Issued:  October 15, 2020
Expires:  November 14, 2020 Caveat:
Late Fee Prohibition Remains in Effect
Through December 31, 2020 KEY ISSUES:
Rent Demands: Extends 30-day rent
demand until November 14th The 30-day
rent demand applies to ALL Landlords
(residential and commercial). Late Fees:
The Order establishes a ban […]

Readmore

Eviction Moratorium Ends

Time to Focus on Rental Assistance Breaking News August 27, 2021 The U.S. Supreme Court ended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC’s) eviction moratorium Thursday night, giving much-needed relief to America’s small housing providers facing financial hardship for more than a year. In a 6-3 ruling, a majority of justices agreed that the stay on the lower court’s order finding the CDC’s eviction moratorium to be unlawful was no longer justified. In their order, the justices wrote, “The

Read More »

A Guide to Section 8 for Landlords

Over 10 million Americans are afforded federal rental assistance under a program known as Section 8 housing. This federal rental assistance can be used all over the United States, which means that all US landlords should have a basic understanding of what Section 8 is and how it works. In short, Section 8 housing provides a solution for low-income families and individuals who are in need of housing. But how does Section 8 housing work for landlords? If you’ve poked around online

Read More »

Pros and Cons of Month-to-Month Rental Leases

The real estate market is in a particularly unusual state in 2021 as the overall economy seeks to correct itself during an ongoing pandemic. One of the more surprising results of the past year is that while housing prices are going up, the cost to rent is, in many places, going down or stabilizing. Now is a great time for property owners to analyze the kind of leasing agreements they typically offer. Is month-to-month rental a better solution in the present,

Read More »

A Guide to Squatter Rights- What Landlords Absolutely Need to Know

If you’re a landlord who has recently discovered the presence of unknown tenants living in one of your properties, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Is this trespassing? Can you simply kick them out? The answer is not quite so simple, assuming these unexpected tenants are squatters. We tend to think of squatters in basic, colloquial terms: people who have moved into a property they don’t own or rent and live there without permission. However, you’ve probably also heard

Read More »

A Complete Guide to Every Step in the Eviction Process

As a landlord, your hope is to bring on high-quality tenants that abide by the lease and pay rent on time each month. However, you might be surprised at how likely it is that you could find yourself going through the eviction process at some point in your tenure. In the past few years, US eviction data was compiled and revealed just how common evictions actually are. In fact, in 2016 alone, 2.3 million evictions were filed in America. Our goal is

Read More »

The Landlord’s Guide to Rent Collection

There are over 10 million individual landlords in the United States, each with its own methods for rent collection. How a landlord collects rent, what they charge, and how they deal with late payments has to do both with their personal preferences and the laws in their state. Renting is a great way to earn side money or even a full liveable income, but there are many things to consider before you begin looking for tenants. If you have a property you’re interested

Read More »

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    Helpful Louisiana Landlord Resources

    State agencies &
    regulatory bodies

    U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Louisiana

    Louisiana Department of Insurance

    Consumer’s Guide to Homeowner and Tenant Insurance (PDF)

    Louisiana Real Estate Commission

    Louisiana Housing Corporation

    Housing
    Authorities

    Louisiana REALTORS®

    New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®

    The Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS®

    Northwest Louisiana Association of REALTORS®

    Central Louisiana REALTORS® Association

    Northeast Louisiana Association of REALTORS®

    Southwest Louisiana Association of REALTORS®

    Realtor, Landlord and
    tenant associations

    Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans

    Baton Rouge Apartment Association

    New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association

    Shreveport-Bossier Apartment Association

    Louisiana Housing Alliance

    Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center

    National Resources

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    IMPORTANT: The information provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice under any circumstances. Please consult an attorney if you need legal advice.

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