Louisiana security deposit law
What should I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Louisiana?
The short answer
Build the paper trail: confirm your forwarding address in writing, then send a demand letter by certified mail citing La. R.S. § 9:3251 et seq. and the 30 days deadline. A statute-cited demand is the step that moves most cases, and it sets up City Court / Justice of the Peace if needed.
When a Louisiana landlord goes quiet on your deposit, escalate in writing, in this order.
First, remove their easiest excuse: send your forwarding address in writing (text or email counts, but letter is better) and keep proof. Second, send a formal demand letter by certified mail. Cite La. R.S. § 9:3251 et seq., state the 30 days deadline and the date it passed, itemize what you are owed, and give a firm response date, typically 10 to 14 days. Certified mail matters: it creates dated proof the landlord received your demand, which is exactly what a judge asks about first.
Third, know the leverage behind the letter: a documented, statute-cited demand shows you will follow through, and the cost of ignoring you goes up.
If the letter is ignored, City Court / Justice of the Peace handles deposit disputes up to $5,000, no attorney required, and your certified-mail demand becomes your first exhibit. Most tenants never need the courtroom: the letter, done properly, is where the money moves.
The Louisiana rules at a glance. Governing statute: La. R.S. § 9:3251 et seq. Return deadline: 30 days. Attorney's fees: recoverable in qualifying cases. Court for disputes: City Court / Justice of the Peace, claims up to $5,000.
Looking for the rules beyond this state? My landlord didn't return my security deposit. What do I do?
See what your landlord owes you under Louisiana law.
Answer a few questions about your situation and get a Louisiana-specific demand letter that applies these rules to your case, ready in about ten minutes.