How to Hold and Return a Security Deposit in Louisiana

Managing a Security Deposit in Louisiana

Louisiana state law does not impose a limit on the amount you can charge for a security deposit. Most people charge an amount equivalent to one months' rent.

Storing the Deposit

There is no law in Louisiana governing how you must store a security deposit.

Returning the Deposit

In Louisiana, you have one month after the end of the sublease term to return the security deposit to your subtenant. If you keep any or all of the deposit, to pay for unpaid rent or damages to the unit that exceed normal wear and tear, you must send your subtenant an itemized statement detailing how much you are withholding and why within 30 days of the end of the sublease term. It's legally required that your subtenant give you a forwarding address where you can send either the security deposit or such notice. If your subtenant abandons the unit without giving notice required by your agreement or before the end of the sublease term, you may keep all of the security deposit without providing your subtenant with an itemized list. If you fail to provide notice in the correct way or timeframe, your subtenant has the right to recover damages from you in court for up to $200.