Landlord Rights in Shreveport, Louisiana

A landlord's rights in Shreveport, Louisiana, are governed by the Louisiana Civil Code. Landlord-tenant law is the same throughout the state, with a landlord's rights springing primarily from a tenant's obligations. According to the Louisiana Civil Code, some of a landlord's rights include the right to receive rent in a timely manner, the right to keep a portion or all of a security deposit if rental property is damaged and the right to evict tenants for nonpayment of rent.

Renter's Primary Obligations

According to the Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2683, the tenant--or lessee--has three principal obligations. The first is to pay rent according to the terms of the lease. The second is to use the rental property "in accordance with the purpose for which it was leased." The third principal obligation is to return the rental premises to the landlord in the same condition, minus ordinary wear and tear.

Notification of Damage and Consent to Alter Premises

Landlords in Shreveport, Louisiana, have the right to receive notification with no delay if the rental property has been damaged by the tenant or if a third party has caused damage to the premises. If a tenant fails to notify a landlord of damages, a landlord is entitled to monetary compensation. Landlords in Louisiana are also entitled to notification when a tenant seeks to alter the rental premises. Thus, tenants must seek consent before making alterations.

Attachments

According to the Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2695, upon termination of a lease, a tenant may remove any fixtures, attachments or improvements, so long as removing them restores the premises "to its former condition." A landlord may demand the attachments removed within a reasonable time. If the tenant fails to do so, the landlord may remove the attachments at the tenant's expense or keep the attachments without having to reimburse the tenant.

Eviction

In Louisiana, a landlord may give a tenant a Notice to Vacate if the tenant has failed to pay rent according to the lease terms. After a tenant is given a Notice to Vacate, he has five business days in which to vacate. If after five business days the tenant has not vacated the premises, the landlord may begin eviction proceedings by filing a petition with the city court. If the tenant fails to appear, the court will likely rule in favor of the landlord.

References

• Office of Attorney General: A Guide to Louisiana Landlord and Tenant Laws
• Louisiana State Legislature: Art. 2683: The Lessee's Principal Obligations
• Louisiana State Legislature: Art. 2688: Obligation to Inform Lessor
• Louisiana State Legislature: Art. 2695: Attachments, Additions, or Other Improvements to Leased Thing

Resources

• Lafayette Parish Bar Association: Louisiana Landlord/Tenant Law