Louisiana Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- 2x (willful failure to comply — tenant recovers the wrongfully-retained portion PLUS $300 or twice that portion, whichever is greater (La. R.S. 9:3252(A)))
- The law
- La. Rev. Stat. §§9:3251–3252
The rule
Deposit + written itemized statement returned within ONE MONTH after lease termination (§3251). If the lessee stays in possession after termination, the clock starts at relinquishment; the clock also does not run until the lessee furnishes a forwarding address. Two-step process: failure to remit within 30 days after WRITTEN DEMAND for refund constitutes 'willful failure.'
- Written demand letter is the tripwire: 30 days of no response after written demand = willful failure by statute
- Penalty raised by 2018 Act 416 (eff. Jan 1, 2019): prior law was $200 or 2x
- Action may be brought in the parish of the lessor's domicile OR where the property sits
- No statutory deposit cap; no interest requirement
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In Louisiana, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on La. Rev. Stat. §§9:3251–3252 and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in Louisiana
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing La. Rev. Stat. §§9:3251–3252 and the 2x penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
Louisiana deposit questions
How long does my Louisiana landlord have to return my deposit?
Deposit + written itemized statement returned within ONE MONTH after lease termination (§3251). If the lessee stays in possession after termination, the clock starts at relinquishment; the clock also does not run until the lessee furnishes a forwarding address. Two-step process: failure to remit within 30 days after WRITTEN DEMAND for refund constitutes 'willful failure.'
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including Louisiana — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check La. Rev. Stat. §§9:3251–3252 for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in Louisiana?
Louisiana law allows 2x for willful failure to comply — tenant recovers the wrongfully-retained portion PLUS $300 or twice that portion, whichever is greater (La. R.S. 9:3252(A)). See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Source: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1101379 · Verified 2026-10-09