Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Lessor Warranty and Duty to Repair (Habitability)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Source of duty: Civil Code warranty, not URLTA
Maintain suitable condition: La. Civ. Code art. 2682
Duty to repair: La. Civ. Code art. 2691
Lessee exception: Repairs the lessee is responsible for
Tenant remedies: Repair-and-deduct, rent reduction, dissolution

Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

Louisiana imposes habitability through the Civil Code lease warranty. La. Civ. Code art. 2682 binds the lessor to deliver and maintain the premises 'in a condition suitable' for its purpose, and art. 2691 requires the lessor to make all repairs that become necessary, except those the lessee is responsible for.

The lessor is bound: (1) To deliver the thing to the lessee; (2) To maintain the thing in a condition suitable for the purpose of which it was leased; and (3) To protect the lessee's peaceful possession for the duration of the lease.

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Full Breakdown

Louisiana does not use the URLTA; the lessor's habitability duty flows from the Civil Code. La. Civ. Code art. 2682 lists the lessor's principal obligations: 'to deliver the thing to the lessee,' 'to maintain the thing in a condition suitable for the purpose for which it was leased,' and 'to protect the lessee's peaceful possession.' Article 2691 adds that 'during the lease, the lessor is bound to make all repairs that become necessary to maintain the thing in a condition suitable for the purpose for which it was leased, except those for which the lessee is responsible.' If the lessor fails to repair after notice, the lessee may, under related lease articles, make the repair and deduct the cost, obtain a rent reduction, or dissolve the lease.

Violations & Penalties

No fixed statutory fine. A lessor who fails to maintain or repair may face a rent reduction, the lessee's repair-and-deduct, or dissolution of the lease, plus damages, under the Civil Code lease articles (arts. 2682, 2691, and following).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Louisiana have a warranty of habitability?

Yes, through the Civil Code. La. Civ. Code art. 2682 requires the lessor to maintain the premises 'in a condition suitable' for its purpose, and art. 2691 requires the lessor to make all necessary repairs except those for which the lessee is responsible.

Can a Louisiana tenant repair and deduct?

Yes. If the lessor fails to make a required repair after being put on notice, the Civil Code lease articles allow the lessee to make the repair and deduct the reasonable cost from the rent, or seek a rent reduction or lease dissolution depending on severity.

Who is responsible for repairs in a Louisiana rental?

Under La. Civ. Code art. 2691 the lessor must make all repairs needed to keep the premises suitable, except those for which the lessee is responsible, such as damage caused by the lessee's own fault or neglect.

Sources

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