Can I sue for a landlord keeping my deposit in Louisiana?

Which law covers security deposits in Louisiana?

governing statute

La. R.S. 9:3251

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Louisiana?

deadline

30 days

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Across the country. 23 of the 47 states written up answer this the same way as Louisiana. The shortest is 14 days, as in Alaska; the longest is 60 days, as in Alabama. Compare every state →

What is the penalty if a landlord keeps your deposit in Louisiana?

penalty

Willful failure: the portion wrongfully retained, plus $300 or twice that portion, whichever is greater (R.S. 9:3252). Failing to remit within 30 days of your written demand is itself willful.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

Which court hears a case like this in Louisiana?

which court

Small claims division

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

How much can you sue for in Louisiana small claims court?

small claims limit

$5,000

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

exceptions: The division awards money and equitable relief but cannot issue an injunction, and class actions are barred. In the City Court of East St. Tammany the limit is instead whatever a justice of the peace court may hear.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.

What else should you know in Louisiana?

also

The written demand is the step that does the work here: it is what converts an ordinary late refund into a willful one with a penalty attached. Send it, dated, and keep proof.

source ↗Not yet checked against the statute.