Short answer: In Louisiana, hurricanes make renters insurance worth having, and your landlord's policy doesn't cover your belongings. Under La. R.S. 9:3251, the landlord must return your deposit within one month after the lease ends. If any portion is kept, the landlord must send an itemized statement with reasons, and you must provide a forwarding address. Under R.S. 9:3252, willful failure to comply can cost the landlord $300 or twice the amount wrongfully kept, whichever is greater.
This guide is general information for Louisiana renters. It isn't legal advice, and local ordinances can add rules. Your lease and policy wording control.
Your landlord's policy covers the building, not your belongings or liability. A renters policy (HO-4) covers personal property, personal liability and loss of use; flood is generally excluded (see FloodSmart). Coverage basics: renters insurance. Roommates: whether renters insurance covers roommates. Liability: how much renters liability coverage you need.
Step 1: The one-month rule
Under La. R.S. 9:3251, the deposit must be returned within one month after the lease terminates. The landlord may keep only amounts reasonably necessary to remedy your default or unreasonable wear to the premises.
Step 2: Itemized statement and forwarding address
If any portion is kept, the landlord must send an itemized statement of the amounts retained and the reasons. It is due within one month after the tenancy ends, or within 15 days after that one-month date. You must furnish a forwarding address at the end of the lease.
Step 3: Penalty
Under R.S. 9:3252, willful failure to comply lets you recover the amount wrongfully retained plus $300 or twice the wrongfully retained amount, whichever is greater. Failing to remit within 30 days after your written demand counts as willful failure.
Step 4: Hurricane season
Renters insurance typically covers your belongings for wind damage and pays additional living expenses if a storm makes the unit unlivable. A separate windstorm deductible may apply. Flood is excluded; see FloodSmart for NFIP contents coverage.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Louisiana.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Louisiana landlord have to return my deposit?
Within one month after the lease terminates.
What's the penalty in Louisiana for keeping a deposit?
For willful failure, $300 or twice the amount wrongfully kept, whichever is greater, plus the amount itself.
Does Louisiana renters insurance cover hurricane flooding?
No. Flood requires separate coverage such as NFIP contents.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.