Louisiana Commercial Lease Agreement

Our free downloadable Louisiana Commercial Lease Agreement template ensures you adhere to state laws.

Security Deposit Limits and Handling

• Landlords usually require tenants to pay a security deposit before signing a lease for commercial property in Louisiana.
  
• This deposit acts as a safeguard for the landlord in case the tenant damages the property or fails to pay rent.
  
• The specifics of the security deposit are typically outlined in the lease, but they’re also subject to state and local laws. 

• Louisiana commercial landlords can require unlimited security deposits to hold them in interest-bearing accounts but aren’t required to pay tenants any interest on their deposits.

Right of Entry for Inspections and Repairs

• Louisiana has no specific “Right to Entry” laws that require landlords to provide written notice before entering their rental property. 

• However, most landlords in Louisiana typically agree with their tenants on the terms and circumstances under which they can enter the property, including notification policies and other related matters.

Environmental Responsibilities

• A Tenant cannot use demised premises for hazardous or toxic activity and must comply with Louisiana’s environmental laws.
  
• The landlord can inspect and test the premises and enter to remedy contamination caused by the tenant.
  
• The tenant is responsible for paying for any testing if hazardous materials are stored or used on the premises.
  
• The tenant must provide information on hazardous materials on the premises when asked.

Notice Requirements

• Louisiana landlords aren’t required to give any notice before increasing rent, allowing them to do so at any time.

• A Louisiana landlord must provide written notice before changing the property’s locks. If the landlord fails to provide written notice, it may be considered retaliatory behavior and could result in a lawsuit according to state laws.

• Louisiana state laws don’t require tenants to provide specific details when changing locks for repairs or added security. However, it’s recommended that they inform their landlords beforehand.

• A tenant with a fixed-term lease isn’t obligated to provide written notice before ending a Louisiana lease. However, landlords have different notice requirements depending on the type of lease they offer for their property.
  • Monthly Lease – 10-day notice.
  • Quarterly Lease – No statute is available at the moment.
  • Yearly Lease – 30-day notice.

Include Required Disclosures

• Landlords of commercial properties constructed before 1978 in Louisiana must provide tenants with a lead paint disclosure statement.
  
• The landlord must include a breakdown of the utility expenses for which the tenant will be responsible, such as water, trash, sewage, phone, and internet services.