Louisiana lease agreements are comprehensive contracts that define the rental relationship between landlords and tenants in the state. As with any legally binding document, it’s crucial that these agreements are structured in accordance with Louisiana’s specific laws and regulations. TurboTenant’s Lease Agreement Generator and Templates offer landlords a reliable platform to create such agreements, ensuring both compliance and ease of understanding for all parties involved.
Custom Leases
The customization of a lease agreement to fit the particular needs of a rental property is essential. In Louisiana, this includes outlining who is on the lease, the rent amount, utilities, and other pertinent details. These are easily added during the lease creation process and are clearly summarized at the beginning of the agreement for easy reference.
Key Customizable Elements
- Additional Provisions: This section offers space to add property-specific rules, necessary local clauses, or other unique requirements. It is recommended that any additional provisions be reviewed by a lawyer.
- Lost Key Policy: Tenants must return all keys upon moving out, or they will be responsible for the full cost of rekeying the property.
Specific to Louisiana
Section 2 contains clauses specific to Louisiana’s laws, ensuring that the lease remains compliant with local regulations. To maintain this compliance, these sections are not editable.
Notable Louisiana Regulations
- Late Fees – Section 2.1: Rent is due on the first of each month. If not received by the 3rd day, landlords may impose a one-time late fee of 5% of the unpaid rent.
- Security Deposit Provisions – Section 2.4: Although Louisiana does not specify a maximum security deposit limit, common practice is to charge 1–2 times the monthly rent. There are no requirements for interest collection on the deposit or disclosure of the bank where the deposit is held. Security deposits must be returned within 30 days after the lease ends.
- Tenant Waiver of Notice – Section 2.15: Inclusion of a waiver in the lease eliminates the need for landlords to provide notice of noncompliance before proceeding with an eviction.
General Clauses for Best Practices
This section includes general clauses that are standard across most lease agreements, reflecting best practices in landlord-tenant relationships.
Key General Clauses
- Subletting – Section 3.1: Tenants are prohibited from subleasing the property without the landlord’s written consent.
- Altering or Improving the Property – Section 3.2: Tenants must obtain written consent before making any alterations or improvements to the property.
- Choice of Law – Section 3.11: The lease agreement is governed by Louisiana law, and tenants consent to the use of the county courts where the property is located.
- Follow the Law (noise, drugs, etc.) – Section 3.14: Tenants must comply with all laws and ordinances and not be a nuisance to neighbors. Violations can be grounds for lease termination.
FAQ
How do late fees work in Louisiana lease agreements?
In Louisiana, if rent is not paid by the 3rd day of the month, landlords can charge a one-time late fee of 5% of the total unpaid rent amount.
What should I know about security deposits in Louisiana?
There is no state statutory limit on security deposit amounts in Louisiana, and landlords typically charge 1–2 times the monthly rent. There are no requirements for interest collection on the deposit or disclosure of the bank where it is stored. Security deposits will need to be returned to tenant within 30 days after the lease ends.
Is a Tenant Waiver of Notice included in the lease?
Yes, a Tenant Waiver of Notice is included in Louisiana lease agreements, which allows landlords to proceed with an eviction without prior notice if the waiver is in the lease.
Can tenants alter or improve the property?
Tenants cannot make alterations or improvements to the property without the landlord’s written consent. The property must be returned in the same condition as when they moved in, unless otherwise agreed upon.
How does the lease agreement address legal compliance?
The lease agreement requires tenants to follow all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, and not to be a nuisance or annoyance to neighbors. Breaching these conditions can result in lease termination.
TurboTenant Louisiana Lease Agreements
TurboTenant simplifies the process of creating Louisiana-compliant lease agreements, embodying best practices while ensuring legal protection for landlords. The platform’s Lease Agreement Generator and Templates enable landlords to draft clear, specific, and enforceable lease agreements with ease. For landlords in Louisiana, TurboTenant’s tools are an invaluable asset in the leasing process, mitigating risks and fostering successful rental relationships.