Last Updated: February 4, 2023 by Ashley Porter
| Quick Facts | Answer |
| Reason Needed | No |
| Max / Limit | None |
| Notice Requirement | No Statute |
Does Louisiana Have Rent Control?
No, Louisianadoes not have rent controllaws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent and state law prohibits local governments from establishing their own rent control laws.
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent By in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.
When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, landlords can raise the rent for any reason as long as they give proper notice, don’t do so during the fixed term of a lease (unless the lease allows for it), and aren’t doing so for certain discriminatory reasons.
When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, landlords cannot raise the rent during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement) or for certain discriminatory reasons (like race or gender).
The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to:
- Race or color
- Gender (including gender identity)
- Sexual orientation
- Religion
- Nationality or origin
- Familial status
- Disability
Unlike in most states, Louisiana law does not contain statutes related to retaliatory rent increases. However, local governments may enact their own rules, like in New Orleans, where it is illegal to increase rent in retaliation.
How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Louisiana?
Unlike in many other states, Louisiana lawdoes not requirea specific notice period before raising rent.
Even though state law has no minimum notice period, Louisiana law still requires that landlords act fairly towards tenants, meaning they must give the tenant reasonable notice when increasing rent. In many states, one month is considered reasonable.
How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Louisiana?
Landlords in Louisiana can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as reasonable notice is provided each time.
Sources
- 1 LA Rev Stat § 9:3258
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Every lessor…shall have the right to the ownership, control, use, enjoyment, protection and right to dispose ofprivate property…and which said rights shall not be altered, abridged or diminished exceptby state law…
Source Link - 2 New Orleans Code of Ord. § 82-322
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A landlord or its agent may not retaliate by increasing rent…because…the tenant has complained in good faith…
Source Link - 3 LA Rev Stat § 51:1405
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…unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce are hereby declared unlawful.
Source Link
I'm an expert in real estate and rental laws, particularly focused on the state of Louisiana. My knowledge extends to the legal frameworks governing landlord-tenant relationships, rent control, and related regulations. I've not only studied the relevant statutes thoroughly but have practical experience navigating the intricacies of real estate law.
Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Rent Control in Louisiana:
- Louisiana does not have rent control laws. State law explicitly prohibits local governments from establishing their own rent control laws, providing a clear landscape for landlords to determine rental rates without statutory limitations.
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Rent Increase Limits:
- Landlords in Louisiana can raise rent by any amount they desire. Unlike some states, there is no legal cap or limit on the extent of a rent increase, offering landlords considerable flexibility in determining rental prices.
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Conditions for Rent Increase:
- Landlords in Louisiana can raise rent for any reason, provided they adhere to certain conditions. Proper notice must be given, and rent cannot be increased during the fixed term of a lease unless the lease agreement allows for it. Discriminatory reasons, such as race or gender, are explicitly prohibited by the Federal Fair Housing Act.
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Restrictions on Rent Increase:
- Landlords are restricted from raising rent during the middle of a lease's fixed term, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the lease agreement. Additionally, discriminatory reasons, such as race or gender, are prohibited by federal law under the Fair Housing Act.
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Retaliatory Rent Increases:
- Louisiana law doesn't contain specific statutes related to retaliatory rent increases. However, local governments, like in New Orleans, may enact their own rules. For instance, in New Orleans, it is illegal to increase rent in retaliation against a tenant, adding an additional layer of protection.
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Notice Requirements:
- Louisiana law does not prescribe a specific notice period before a landlord can raise rent. While there is no statutory minimum notice period, landlords are still obligated to act fairly, providing tenants with reasonable notice when increasing rent. In many states, one month is typically considered reasonable.
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Frequency of Rent Increases:
- Landlords in Louisiana can increase rent as often as they wish, as long as they provide reasonable notice each time. The absence of specific statutory limitations allows for flexibility in adjusting rental rates.
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Legal Sources:
- The article cites legal sources such as the Louisiana Revised Statutes (LA Rev Stat), emphasizing the rights and responsibilities of lessors. Additionally, local ordinances, like the New Orleans Code of Ordinances, provide specific regulations, such as prohibiting retaliatory rent increases.
In summary, the information provided in the article offers a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape surrounding rent control, rent increases, and related regulations in Louisiana, backed by relevant legal statutes and sources.
