Landlords in Louisiana – What do you do with the tenant’s security deposit after the lease agreement has expired? Here are basic guidelines on how to deal with security deposits in tenancy.
The Lessee’s Deposit Act requires the landlord to return deposits within one month after the end of the lease, provided the tenant fulfilled the lease obligations and left a forwarding address.
If any part of the deposit is retained, the landlord must send the tenant an itemized list of deductions and any remaining balance within one month. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or to send the itemized list within one month, the tenant may sue in Small Claims Court to recover the deposit.
If the landlord fails to account for the deposit within thirty (30) days of a tenant’s written request for a refund, then the law allows the tenant to recover actual damages (amount of damages made) or $200.00 whichever is greater. The judge may also award court costs and attorney fees to the person who wins the suit. The law does not permit the tenant to give up, or waive, this right in a lease.
Source: Louisiana landlord and tenant guide.
