Two ways to rent in Louisiana
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Louisiana? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord (lessor) and tenant (lessee) agree to, and it is your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Louisiana tenancies are governed by the lease articles of the Civil Code (arts. 2668-2729) and the Lessee's Deposit Act in Revised Statutes Title 9.
Louisianalease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Louisiana sets no maximum on a residential security deposit — the amount is whatever the lease states, with one month's rent the common benchmark. Under the Lessee's Deposit Act (R.S. 9:3251), the landlord must return it, with an itemized statement of any amounts kept for damage or unpaid rent, within one month (about 30 days) after the lease ends and the tenant gives a forwarding address.
Late fees
Louisiana has no statute fixing a numeric cap or grace period for residential late fees, so a fee must simply be reasonable and stated in the lease. Tie the fee to the rent and apply it consistently; a charge that works like a penalty rather than a fair estimate of the landlord's costs may be reduced by a court under Civil Code art. 2005.
Landlord entry & notice
Louisiana has no statute setting how much notice a landlord must give before entering, so the lease controls. Spelling out a notice window — 24 hours is standard — protects both the landlord and the tenant.
Required disclosures
Louisiana imposes no broad state-specific disclosure list for residential leases. The federal lead-based-paint disclosure is required for any home built before 1978, and the lease should clearly identify the parties, the property, the rent, the term, and how the security deposit may be used.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended by either party with at least 10 days' written notice before the end of the month under Civil Code art. 2728; a fixed-term lease that runs out can renew (reconduction) if the tenant stays on and the landlord accepts rent.
Does it need notarizing?
No. A Louisiana residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it is binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under the Louisiana Civil Code (arts. 2668-2729) and the Lessee's Deposit Act (R.S. 9:3251-3261).
How to write a Louisiana lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late or NSF fees.
- 4
Set the security deposit and how it may be used, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Louisiana lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Louisiana lease agreement FAQ
Does a Louisiana residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Louisiana doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It is legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana doesn't cap residential security deposits by statute — the amount is set by the lease. One month's rent is the common benchmark.
How long does a Louisiana landlord have to return the deposit?
One month (about 30 days) after the lease ends, once the tenant gives a forwarding address. If any amount is kept, the landlord must send an itemized statement; failing to follow the Lessee's Deposit Act can expose the landlord to penalties plus attorney's fees.
How much can a late fee be in Louisiana?
There is no statutory cap or required grace period, so the fee must be reasonable and stated in the lease. Tie it to the rent and apply it consistently, since a court can reduce a charge that works like a penalty under Civil Code art. 2005.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Louisiana?
At least 10 days' written notice before the end of the month, from either the landlord or the tenant, under Civil Code art. 2728.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Louisiana has no statute setting a notice period, so the lease governs. Including a 24-hour notice clause is standard practice and protects both sides.
What must a Louisiana lease disclose?
There is no broad state-specific disclosure list. The federal lead-based-paint disclosure applies to pre-1978 homes, and the lease should clearly state the parties, the property, the rent, the term, and how the deposit may be used.
Is this Louisiana lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.