No statutory limit. The return rule is 30 days. The controlling text is La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251 to 3254.
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Louisiana's return deadline
30 days.
You have one month after the tenancy ends to return the deposit or deliver an itemized statement of deductions, provided the tenant gave notice as the lease required and left a forwarding address.
The itemized statement rule
An itemized statement of any deductions is required with the balance. Deliver it to the forwarding address within the month.
Account and interest rules
Louisiana sets no separate-account or interest requirement. Hold the deposit apart from operating funds as a matter of practice.
Exposure for wrongful withholding
Greater of $300 or 2x (bad faith).
A landlord who fails to return the deposit or itemize in bad faith is liable for the greater of $300 or twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees. The tenant's compliance with notice terms is a precondition, so confirm they gave proper notice before relying on it.
Louisiana has no statutory deposit maximum
No statutory limit.
Compare Louisiana with neighboring states
- Texas: no statutory limit; return rule: 30 days.
- Arkansas: two months' rent; return rule: 60 days.
- Mississippi: no statutory limit; return rule: 45 days.
Verified against La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251 to 3254 and official state sources in July 2026. Before withholding money, check the current statute text or ask a local landlord-tenant attorney. General information, not legal advice.