Louisiana Rent Increase Laws in 2025: What Renters Need to Know About Legal Protections and Fair Housing

As of 2025, Louisiana continues to be a landlord-friendly state with minimal restrictions on rent increases. However, tenants are still protected under federal and state fair housing laws. Here’s what renters need to know about rent increases and their rights.

No Rent Control in Louisiana

Louisiana does not have rent control laws limiting the amount landlords can charge. State law also prohibits local governments from establishing rent control ordinances. 

When and How Rent Can Be Increased

Fixed-Term Leases: For leases with a set duration (e.g., one year), landlords can only raise the rent at the end of the lease term unless the lease agreement specifies otherwise. 

Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must provide at least a 10-day written notice before increasing rent. 

Notice Requirements: While Louisiana law does not specify a mandatory notice period for rent increases, it is customary for landlords to provide at least a 30-day notice, especially for month-to-month tenancies. 

Legal Limitations on Rent Increases

Discriminatory Increases: Landlords cannot raise rent based on a tenant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Such actions violate the Fair Housing Act. 

Retaliatory Increases: Increasing rent in response to a tenant exercising their legal rights, such as reporting housing code violations, is prohibited. 

Fair Housing Protections

Under the Fair Housing Act and the Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act, it’s illegal to discriminate in housing based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• National Origin
• Disability
• Familial Status

These laws protect tenants from unfair treatment, including discriminatory rent increases. 

Recent Legal Updates in 2025

• Security Deposits: Landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of lease termination, along with an itemized list of any deductions. 
• Eviction Notices: The notice period for eviction due to nonpayment has increased from 5 to 10 days.
• Proposed Rent Cap in New Orleans: Officials are debating a 5% annual limit on rent increases for certain properties, though it has not yet become law. 

Tenant Rights and Best Practices

• Review Lease Agreements: Understand the terms regarding rent increases and notice periods.
• Document Communications: Keep written records of all communications with landlords, especially regarding rent changes.
• Report Violations: If you suspect a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, you can file a complaint with the Louisiana Office of Fair Housing Action or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Conclusion

While Louisiana allows landlords considerable freedom in setting rents, tenants are protected against discriminatory and retaliatory practices. Staying informed about your rights and maintaining open communication with your landlord can help ensure a fair rental experience.

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