Updated for 2026

Louisiana Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Louisiana landlords must return your security deposit within 1 month (30 days). While there's no cap on deposit amounts, the state provides a unique penalty: 2× the amount wrongfully withheld or $300, whichever is greater — plus attorney fees. Use our free calculator to see what you're owed.

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Louisiana Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline
30 Days
1 month after lease ends
Maximum Deposit
No State Limit
Penalty for Late Return
2× or $300
Whichever is greater + fees
Interest Required
✗ No
Applicable Law
La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3251–3253
Minimum $300 Penalty: Louisiana's penalty provision has a $300 floor. Even if the amount wrongfully withheld is small, you're guaranteed at least $300 in penalty damages plus court costs and attorney fees. This makes it worth pursuing even smaller deposit disputes in Louisiana.

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Louisiana Security Deposit Law — Explained

The 30-Day Return Deadline

Under La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3251–3253, Louisiana landlords have 1 month (30 days) after the lease ends to return the security deposit. The landlord must provide an itemized list of any deductions along with the remaining balance. The clock starts when the lease terminates and the tenant has vacated the property.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Louisiana landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be deducted. The landlord must provide a specific itemized statement of all deductions. Louisiana courts have held that landlords bear the burden of proving that deductions are legitimate.

The Unique Penalty Structure

Louisiana's penalty provision is unique among states. If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, the tenant can recover 2× the amount wrongfully withheld or $300, whichever is greater, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. The $300 minimum floor is significant — it means even small deposit disputes are worth pursuing, since the landlord faces at least $300 in penalty damages regardless of the amount withheld.

No Deposit Cap

Louisiana does not limit how much a landlord can charge as a security deposit. While 1–2 months' rent is typical, there's no statutory maximum. The penalty provision does provide some natural check, since the landlord's exposure scales with the deposit amount.

Attorney Fees

Louisiana's statute explicitly allows tenants to recover reasonable attorney fees in addition to the penalty damages. This is important because it means you can hire an attorney without worrying about the cost eating into your recovery. Many tenant rights attorneys in Louisiana will take deposit cases on contingency because of this provision.

What to Do If Your Landlord Is Late

  1. 1
    Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video. Keep your lease and all communications.
  2. 2
    Provide your forwarding address in writing Email or certified mail creates a clear record.
  3. 3
    Send a formal demand letter after 30 days Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing La. Stat. tit. 9 § 3251.
  4. 4
    Wait 14 days for a response Give your landlord a reasonable window to respond.
  5. 5
    File in city court or justice of the peace court Louisiana's small claims limit is $5,000. You can sue for the deposit plus 2× the withheld amount (or $300 minimum) plus attorney fees.

Louisiana Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?
Louisiana landlords have 30 days (1 month) after the lease ends to return the deposit with an itemized list of deductions.
What is the maximum security deposit in Louisiana?
Louisiana has no state limit on security deposit amounts.
What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in Louisiana?
Tenants can recover 2× the amount wrongfully withheld or $300, whichever is greater, plus court costs and attorney fees.
Does Louisiana require interest on security deposits?
No. Louisiana does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
How do I get my security deposit back in Louisiana?
Document the unit, provide your forwarding address, wait 30 days, then send a demand letter. If unresolved, file in city court or justice of the peace court (limit: $5,000).

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