Lease Agreement requirements in Louisiana
- The lease must be in writing if the term is longer than one year, per the Louisiana Civil Code.
- Include the full names and signatures of all adult tenants and the landlord or authorized agent.
- State the premises address, lease term (start and end date), and the amount of rent due, including due date and late fee policies.
- Disclose any non-refundable fees, such as application fees or pet deposits, and return conditions for security deposits.
- Comply with Louisiana's mandatory disclosures, including the lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 properties.
- Ensure the lease does not include clauses that violate Louisiana landlord-tenant law, such as waiving the warranty of habitability.
How to create a Lease Agreement in Louisiana
- Review the rental property thoroughly and note any existing damage in a written checklist to attach to the lease.
- Gather all required information: landlord's and tenant's full legal names, contact details, and emergency contact info.
- Fill in the lease agreement template with accurate property details, rent amount, deposit, and rules (e.g., smoking, pets, subletting).
- Both parties must sign the lease in the presence of a notary or two witnesses, as Louisiana requires witness signatures for authentic acts (though not mandatory for all leases, it's best practice).
- Distribute a signed copy to each party and store the original in a safe location; consider recording the lease with the parish clerk if it's for a term exceeding one year to establish priority.
- Provide the tenant with a move-in condition checklist and any required disclosures (lead paint, mold) before move-in date.
What a Lease Agreement typically costs
In Louisiana, landlords can charge whatever application fees and security deposits the market will bear, with no statutory cap on security deposits. Typical security deposits run one to two months' rent. The cost to create a lease is $0 if you use a free template, or you can pay an attorney to review it, often between $150 and $300 per hour.
Download our free, Louisiana-compliant lease agreement template and get started today. You can lease agreement with a state-specific template here.
Create your lease agreementLouisiana Lease Prep Checklist
Before drafting your Louisiana lease agreement, gather key details and understand state-specific requirements to avoid common pitfalls.
- Collect full legal names, contact info, and emergency contacts for all tenants and the landlord.
- Verify the property's legal address, owner's information, and any homeowners' association (HOA) rules that may affect the lease.
- Decide on lease terms: duration (e.g., month-to-month or fixed-term), rent amount, payment due date, and late fee policy.
- Prepare important disclosures: lead-based paint (for pre-1978 housing) and any known mold or environmental hazards.
- Check if you need a witness or notary: Louisiana law doesn't universally require notarization for residential leases, but a lease for more than one year must be in writing and notarized to be valid against third parties.
- Have a blank inspection checklist ready to document the property's condition at move-in to prevent disputes over security deposits.
DIY vs. hiring a lawyer for your Lease Agreement
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY with a template | ~$40 | Minutes | Standard situations |
| State-specific template (recommended) | Low, one-time | ~15 min | Most people |
| Hire an attorney | $200–$1,500+ | Days–weeks | Complex cases |
Most people complete their lease agreement online in about 15 minutes with a state-specific template — the same structure attorneys use, without the hourly bill.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Louisiana lease need to be notarized?
Notarization is not required for a lease to be valid, but having it notarized or signed in front of two witnesses makes it an 'authentic act,' which simplifies future enforcement and recording.
What happens if a tenant breaks a lease in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, if a tenant breaks a lease, they are responsible for rent for the remaining term, but the landlord must make a reasonable effort to re-rent the property to mitigate damages.
Are there any specific required disclosures in Louisiana leases?
Yes, federal law requires lead-based paint disclosure for properties built before 1978. Louisiana also requires landlords to disclose known mold hazards in some circumstances.
Can a landlord raise rent without notice in Louisiana?
No, the landlord must provide written notice at least 30 days before the rent increase takes effect, but the lease agreement may specify a different period.