DisputeKit / Louisiana
How long does a Louisiana landlord have to return a security deposit?
1 month. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:3251, a landlord must return the security deposit, less any portion reasonably necessary to remedy a default of the tenant or unreasonable wear to the premises within 1 month. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award the amount wrongfully retained plus $300 or twice the amount wrongfully retained, whichever is greater, for willful failure to comply; failing to refund within 30 days after the tenant's written demand counts as willful.
I moved out of my place in on and my landlord still has my $ deposit.
Fill in the blanks to see your deadline. Free, no account.
Conditions that change the deadline
- Since August 1, 2026 (Act 63 of 2026), a landlord who keeps part of the deposit may send the itemized statement of deductions up to 15 days after the one-month date.
- The tenant must give the landlord a forwarding address at the end of the lease for the itemized statement.
- These rules do not apply if the tenant abandoned the premises without required notice or before the lease ended.
What Louisiana law says about deductions and your rights
- Send the landlord a written demand for the deposit: under La. R.S. 9:3252, failure to refund within 30 days after a written demand is treated as willful.
- The landlord may keep only what is reasonably necessary to remedy a default of the tenant or unreasonable wear to the premises, and must give reasons in an itemized statement.
If the deadline has passed
Send a written demand letter. State the dates and amounts, the law and the deadline, and a date by which you expect payment. Keep proof that you sent it.
If they still don't pay, you can file in small claims court. The limit in Louisiana is $5,000 in the small claims division of a city court (East St. Tammany City Court follows its civil limit), and the filing fee is varies by court; ask the clerk of the city court or justice of the peace court.
Steps
- Find your move-out date and deposit amount
- Work out when the clock started: The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit
- Count 1 month from that date to find the deadline
- Send a written demand letter citing the law
- File in small claims court if unpaid
Common questions
When does the clock start in Louisiana?
The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit.
What if I got part of my deposit back?
You can still ask for the rest. Your claim is the deposit minus what was returned and minus any deductions you agree were allowed.
Can I get more than my deposit back?
Possibly. Louisiana law allows a court to award the amount wrongfully retained plus $300 or twice the amount wrongfully retained, whichever is greater, for willful failure to comply; failing to refund within 30 days after the tenant's written demand counts as willful. A judge decides; it is not guaranteed.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not usually. Small claims court in Louisiana is designed for people without lawyers. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney.