Renting Out Your Property in Louisiana: A Guide for Landlords

Familiarize yourself with Louisiana's landlord-tenant laws, particularly the Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668-2744 and the Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 9. Understanding these laws is crucial as Louisiana follows civil law rather than common law, making its rental regulations unique compared to other states.

Ensure your property meets all habitability requirements under Louisiana law. This includes functioning plumbing, electricity, heating, and ensuring the property is free from hazards. Louisiana requires landlords to maintain premises in a habitable condition throughout the tenancy.

Develop a comprehensive rental application to screen potential tenants. Include sections for personal information, rental history, employment details, income verification, and authorization for background and credit checks. Ensure compliance with the Fair Housing Act to avoid discrimination claims.

Create a legally compliant Louisiana lease agreement. Include required terms such as names of parties, property description, rental amount, payment terms, lease duration, security deposit details, maintenance responsibilities, and any other terms specific to your property. Louisiana does not require specific lease provisions by statute, but certain disclosures are mandatory.

For properties built before 1978, federal law requires landlords to disclose known information about lead-based paint hazards. Provide tenants with an EPA-approved pamphlet on lead-based paint hazards and include a specific disclosure form with the lease. Keep signed copies for at least three years.

Develop a detailed checklist documenting the condition of the property before move-in and after move-out. This helps prevent disputes over security deposit deductions. Include photographs dated with timestamps as additional documentation. Louisiana law does not specifically require this, but it's essential for protecting both parties.

Louisiana does not limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits, but you must return deposits within one month of lease termination. Create a receipt for security deposits and document the bank account where funds are held. Unlike some states, Louisiana does not require landlords to place deposits in separate accounts.

Create a clear set of rules for tenants covering noise restrictions, maintenance expectations, pet policies, smoking policies, and other property-specific guidelines. Ensure these rules don't violate any tenant rights under Louisiana law and attach them as an addendum to the lease agreement.

Louisiana law does not specify how much notice landlords must give before entering a rental property, but reasonable notice is expected. Create a form to document when you need to enter the property for repairs, inspections, or showings. A standard practice is to provide 24-48 hours notice, though not explicitly required by state law.

Check with your local parish or municipality for any rental registration requirements or permits. Some Louisiana localities require landlords to register rental properties or obtain specific business licenses. Requirements vary by location, so contact your local government offices for specific guidance.

Ensure you understand how renting affects your property tax obligations in Louisiana. Some parishes may have different tax rates for rental properties versus owner-occupied homes. Contact your local tax assessor's office for guidance on potential changes to your property tax assessment.

Secure landlord insurance (also called rental property insurance) which differs from homeowner's insurance. This should include property damage, liability coverage, and potentially loss of rental income. Consider requiring tenants to obtain renter's insurance as part of your lease terms.

Set up a reliable system for collecting rent payments. Louisiana law does not mandate specific payment methods, so you can accept checks, electronic payments, or other methods. Document your preferred payment method in the lease agreement, including due dates and late fee policies.

Establish a clear procedure for tenants to report maintenance issues. Louisiana landlords have an obligation to make necessary repairs to keep the property habitable. Document all maintenance requests and responses to demonstrate compliance with your legal obligations.

Familiarize yourself with Louisiana's eviction procedures, which require specific notices and court filings. The process differs depending on the reason for eviction (non-payment of rent, lease violations, etc.). Never attempt to evict a tenant without following proper legal procedures, as this can result in penalties.