Louisiana Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and move-out.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, damages to premises beyond normal wear and tear, reasonable cleaning costs. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration from normal use of the premises.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to wrongfully withheld amount plus $200 penalty and attorney fees under La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251(C).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: No statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $5,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord must return deposit within 30 days
- $200 statutory penalty plus reasonable attorney fees for noncompliance
What Your Louisiana Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Louisiana's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Louisiana law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration from normal use of the premises...
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting with penalty warning. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Louisiana Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Louisiana?
Under La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and move-out. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Louisiana landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Louisiana, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, damages to premises beyond normal wear and tear, reasonable cleaning costs. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Louisiana?
In Louisiana: Deterioration from normal use of the premises. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Louisiana landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to wrongfully withheld amount plus $200 penalty and attorney fees under La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251(C). You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana small claims court handles cases up to $5,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Louisiana?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Louisiana-specific dispute letter citing La. Rev. Stat. §9:3251 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.