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States/Louisiana/One-Month Return
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Louisiana One-Month Security Deposit Return Rule

R.S. 9:3251(A) says a residential advance or deposit must be returned within one month after the lease terminates, while allowing retention only to the extent reasonably necessary to remedy tenant default or unreasonable wear.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited
Return period1 month

The statute says one month, not 30 days.

Use the lease-termination date

  • Identify the actual lease termination date.
  • Do not automatically substitute key-return date.
  • Do not convert “one month” into a fixed 30-day count.
  • Separate the amount returned from any amount retained.
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. 9:3251 — Lessee’s deposit ↗

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

Louisiana State Legislature2026 Act No. 63 (HB 292) ↗

Official 2026 act, effective August 1, 2026, amending the itemized-statement timing language in R.S. 9:3251(A).

Related Louisiana guides

Security Deposit →2026 Itemization →Deductions & Wear →Forwarding Address →