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Louisiana Apartment Lease Agreement

In a Louisiana Apartment Lease Agreement, it’s customary for property owners to utilize a standard residential lease agreement as a legal instrument to establish tenancy. This agreement, typically set for a predetermined duration, most commonly one (1) year, legally binds the tenant to the property.

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Louisiana Apartment Lease Agreement

Our customizable Louisiana Apartment Lease Agreement template ensures you adhere to state laws.

Prior to renting an apartment in Louisiana, landlords usually ask for personal information and a small fee from prospective tenants through a rental application. The Louisiana Apartment Lease Agreement can be formalized if the tenant passes the verification process.

Tenants usually provide a security deposit and the first month’s rent to establish a legally binding agreement with owners.

Security Deposit 

Louisiana laws don’t cap the amount a landlord can request as a security deposit, granting them the liberty to determine the sum. However, the deposit amount is expected to align with the Agreement and is deemed reasonable.

  • Primary Function: Safeguard the owner against unpaid rent, necessary repairs, and significant property damage.
  • Vacating the Property: The landlord must refund the security deposit within a month of the tenant’s departure.
  • Abandonment of Property: Without prior notice, the owner must not adhere to the one-month refund timeline for the security deposit.
  • Retaining Security Deposit: Landlords have the legal right to retain to offset tenant defaults.

Entry and Access 

In Louisiana, no specific statutes govern an owner’s right to access a rental property, which technically permits them to enter the premises without obtaining the occupant’s written consent.

However, as this can often be unsettling for potential tenants, landlords should negotiate terms of entry with their tenants. These terms can then be incorporated into the lease arrangement.

An apartment lease agreement in Louisiana can specify details such as:

  • Notification Policies: A common practice is for owners to provide tenants with a 24-hour notice prior to entering the property.
  • Permissible Circumstances for Entry: The contract can outline situations that warrant the landlord’s entry, such as the need for repairs, addressing a leak, or showcasing the property to potential tenants.

Pets Policy 

Include essential details in a pet addendum to ensure validity based on the landlord’s requirements and state regulations.

Typically, it encompasses the following elements:

  • Animal Description: A comprehensive pet description, including its name, breed, type, gender, age, weight, and color.
  • Pet Fees: In some jurisdictions, landlords can charge an additional, usually non-refundable, one-time “Pet Fee” for the animal’s presence on the premises.
  • Pet Security Deposit: This is a sum provided to the landlord at the start of the tenancy. Assuming no new damage is caused by the pet, this deposit should be returned to the tenant.
  • Vet Contact Information: If the animal is under the care of a veterinarian, the tenant should provide the vet’s name and contact information for emergencies.

Disclosures 

A Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form is required for any dwelling constructed before 1978. This form is crucial to the leasing process, ensuring transparency about potential lead-based paint hazards.

Optional Disclosure:

  • Late/Returned Check Fees
  • Non-Refundable Fees
  • Bed Bugs
  • Asbestos
  • Mold Disclosure
  • Medical Marijuana Use
  • Smoking
  • Shared Utility Arrangements