Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Lease Termination and Notice Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Month-to-month notice: 10 calendar days (La. Civ. Code art. 2728)
Longer-than-monthly term: 30 calendar days
Weekly term: 5 calendar days
Fixed-term lease: Ends automatically; no notice
Military (SCRA): Yes, federal 50 U.S.C. 3955

Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

A fixed-term Louisiana lease ends automatically at its term with no notice. For an indeterminate (month-to-month) lease, La. Civ. Code art. 2728 requires 10 calendar days' notice for monthly terms, 30 days for terms longer than a month, and 5 days for weekly terms. Federal SCRA lets servicemembers end a lease on qualifying orders.

The notice of termination required by the preceding Article shall be given at or before the time specified below: (1) In a lease whose term is measured by a period longer than a month, thirty calendar days before the end of that period; (2) In a month-to-month lease, ten calendar days before the end of that month; (3) In a lease whose term is measured by a period equal to or longer than a week but shorter than a month, five calendar days before the end of that period; and (4) In a lease whose term is measured by a period shorter than a week, at any time prior to the expiration of that period.

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Full Breakdown

Under La. Civ. Code art. 2727, a fixed-term lease terminates automatically at the end of its term, so no notice is required. For a lease with an indeterminate term, La. Civ. Code art. 2728 sets the timing: thirty calendar days for a term 'longer than a month'; 'in a month-to-month lease, ten calendar days before the end of that month'; five calendar days for a weekly term; and any time before expiration for terms shorter than a week. A fixed-term lease broken early exposes the lessee to liability for remaining rent, subject to the lessor's duty to mitigate. Active-duty servicemembers may terminate under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. 3955, on deployment or PCS orders with written notice and a copy of the orders.

Violations & Penalties

No specific statutory penalty for the lessor. A lessee who breaks a fixed-term lease early may owe the remaining rent, reduced by the lessor's reasonable re-rental efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Louisiana?

Ten calendar days before the end of the month, under La. Civ. Code art. 2728. A term longer than a month needs 30 calendar days; a weekly term needs 5 days. Either party may give the notice.

Does a fixed-term lease need notice to end in Louisiana?

No. Under La. Civ. Code art. 2727 a fixed-term lease ends automatically at the end of its term, with no notice required. Notice timing under art. 2728 applies only to indeterminate-term (periodic) leases.

Can active military break a lease in Louisiana?

Yes. The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 3955) lets servicemembers terminate a residential lease on qualifying deployment or permanent-change-of-station orders with written notice and a copy of the orders.

Sources

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