Louisiana Lease Agreement

A Louisiana lease agreement is a written contract between a landlord (or property manager) and a tenant that explains all the important rental terms—such as rent amount, due date, lease length, and maintenance responsibilities. To be legally valid, the lease must follow the Louisiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729), which protects both landlords and tenants by defining their rights and obligations.

Landlords and property managers in Louisiana commonly use several types of leases:

• Fixed-Term Lease: Runs for a specific period (e.g., 12 months). Rent and terms stay the same until the lease ends.
• Month-to-Month Rental Agreement: Automatically renews every month until either party gives at least 10 days’ written notice to terminate or modify the lease (La. Civ. Code Art. 2728).
• Sublease Agreement: Allows an existing tenant to rent the property to another person (“subtenant”) with the landlord’s written approval.
• Commercial Lease: Used for business properties like offices or storefronts and follows separate commercial leasing laws.

To make a Louisiana lease agreement legally compliant, include the following details:

• Tenant and Landlord Names: Full legal names of all parties.
• Property Address: Full legal address and unit details.
• Lease Term: Start and end dates, including renewal or termination terms.
• Rent Details: Monthly rent amount, due date, payment methods, and late fee policies.
• Security Deposit Terms: Amount, refund policy, and allowed deductions (La. R.S. § 9:3251). The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out along with an itemized list of deductions.
• Louisiana Required Disclosures:
  • Lead-based paint disclosure (for homes built before 1978)
  • Mold disclosure (recommended due to climate)
  • Flood zone disclosure (highly recommended because of statewide flood risks)
• Signatures: Both landlord and tenant must sign and date the lease.

The main difference is the duration, flexibility, and legal obligations under Louisiana law:

• Lease Agreement: Usually covers a fixed term (e.g., one year). Rent and terms cannot change until the lease ends unless both parties agree in writing.
• Rental Agreement (Month-to-Month): Automatically renews monthly. Either party may end it with 10 days’ written notice, and landlords may adjust terms with proper notice (La. Civ. Code Art. 2728).

No, under Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729, a landlord cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows it. For month-to-month leases, landlords may raise rent or modify terms, but must provide at least 10 days’ written notice before the next rental period starts (La. Civ. Code Art. 2728).

If a tenant ends their lease early in Louisiana, they may still be financially responsible for paying rent until the lease ends or until the landlord finds a new tenant. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2693, landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the property to reduce financial loss—this is called “mitigating damages.”

In Louisiana, lease renewal or termination depends on the type of tenancy:

• Fixed-Term Lease:
  • Ends automatically on the stated end date unless both parties agree to renew.
  • Renewals must be in writing through a new lease or signed addendum.
  • Early termination is not allowed without mutual consent or a legally valid reason (La. Civ. Code Art. 2680).
• Month-to-Month Lease:
  • Renews automatically until someone provides proper notice.
  • Either party may end the lease with at least 10 days’ written notice before the next rental period begins (La. Civ. Code Art. 2728).

Yes, a Louisiana lease agreement can be modified after signing, but only if both the landlord and tenant agree in writing. Any changes must be added as a written lease addendum that clearly explains what is being modified (such as rent amount, pet policy, or additional occupants). Both parties must sign and date the addendum for it to be legally enforceable and compliant with Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729.