All states › Louisiana
Louisiana Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 1 month; as of Aug 1, 2026 the itemized statement may follow up to 15 days after that |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | No cap |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | Amount withheld plus the greater of $300 or 2x, for willful failure |
| Statute | La. R.S. § 9:3251 |
As of August 1, 2026, Louisiana gives landlords up to 15 more days after the one-month deadline to send the itemized statement.
Louisiana deadline calculator
Room-by-room condition report: 12 rooms, 99 items, move-in and move-out columns, signature lines, and tips that win deposit disputes. Works for Louisiana rentals. PDF, 5 pages, no sign-up.
Download the free PDF
What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
DepositDay walks you through the move-in and move-out inspection with timestamped photos, counts down your Louisiana deadline from move-out day, and writes the itemized deduction letter.
Start a free inspection
Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?
Under La. R.S. § 9:3251, a Louisiana landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. Details: 1 month; as of Aug 1, 2026 the itemized statement may follow up to 15 days after that.
What is the maximum security deposit in Louisiana?
Louisiana law sets no maximum security deposit.
What happens if a Louisiana landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Louisiana: amount withheld plus the greater of $300 or 2x, for willful failure. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of La. R.S. § 9:3251, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.