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Louisiana security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Louisiana, a landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:3251, 9:3252). Under Louisiana law, a landlord who willfully keeps a deposit can owe twice the amount withheld or $300, whichever is greater.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

30

days for a Louisiana landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

The landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement of any amounts kept and the reasons, within one month after the lease ends.

What the landlord must send you

An itemized statement accounting for any amount kept and the reasons.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

For a willful failure to return the deposit, the tenant may recover the greater of $300 or twice the amount wrongfully kept, plus court costs and attorney's fees (La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3252).

Your forwarding address

Some Louisiana courts require a written demand for the deposit before awarding the penalty. The demand letter serves as that written demand.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

Louisiana security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?

The landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement of any amounts kept and the reasons, within one month after the lease ends.

What must a Louisiana landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

An itemized statement accounting for any amount kept and the reasons.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Louisiana?

For a willful failure to return the deposit, the tenant may recover the greater of $300 or twice the amount wrongfully kept, plus court costs and attorney's fees (La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3252).

Do I need to give my Louisiana landlord a forwarding address?

Some Louisiana courts require a written demand for the deposit before awarding the penalty. The demand letter serves as that written demand.

How do I get my security deposit back in Louisiana?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 30 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:3251, 9:3252 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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