Louisiana Wrongful Security Deposit Withholding Remedies

R.S. 9:3252 provides that willful failure to comply can support recovery of the wrongfully retained amount plus $300 or twice the wrongfully retained portion, whichever is greater. Failure to remit within 30 days after written demand constitutes willful failure under the statute.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited

Additional statutory amount$300 or 2×

Whichever is greater, plus wrongfully retained portion.

Written-demand rule30 days

Failure to remit can constitute willful failure.

Build the record first

Exact amount wrongfully claimed or retained.
Written demand and delivery proof.
Date of demand.
Response or payment date.
Lease termination and itemization records.

Louisiana changed its itemization timing in 2026. Do not treat “one month” as a fixed 30-day period or turn the 2026 itemization amendment into a blanket 45-day refund rule. Educational information only.

Official sources

Louisiana State LegislatureLa. R.S. 9:3252 — Failure to comply ↗

Current statute covering willful failure, written demand and the statutory recovery formula.

Louisiana State LegislatureLa. R.S. 9:3251 — Lessee’s deposit ↗

Current statute including Acts 2026, No. 63: one-month return rule, permitted retention, itemized statement, forwarding address and abandonment exception.

Related Louisiana guides

Security Deposit →One-Month Return →2026 Itemization →Deductions & Wear →