Louisiana Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit
In Louisiana, a security deposit claim is heard by the court named in the facts table; the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit varies by court. No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.
State law last checked .
Filing facts
| Court | Justice of the Peace Court or Parish Court (venue: domicile parish of the lessor or parish where the property is situated) · Court source |
|---|---|
| Listed limits and jurisdictions | $5,000 (justice of the peace / parish court small claims (varies by parish) only) |
| Comparable deposit claim limit | The limit varies by parish and court. |
| Time limit to sue, from state data | 3 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it. |
| Listed county filing fees | No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. |
| E-filing | 0 yes, 0 no, 5 unverified among 5 listed counties |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Deposit statute | La. R.S. 9:3251 to 9:3252 |
Which county is the rental in?
Does your claim fit the limit?
No comparable statewide deposit claim limit is available: The limit varies by parish and court. Choose your county and confirm the applicable court limit.
From a letter to court
- Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
- Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
- Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.
Calculate your deadline and next letter
Your free letter
Get a DOCX letter with the dates and amount you entered.
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| return of deposit or itemized statement of retained amounts; the statute uses one month | one month | after the lease terminates / date the tenancy terminates |
Louisiana return rule: one month (return of deposit or itemized statement of retained amounts; the statute uses one month). Check the dates you entered above.
Free Louisiana template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 9:3251 to 9:3252), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [one month / 30 calendar days, see the note above] after [the event listed in the note above].
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the Louisiana Secretary of State. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.
What to bring to the clerk
- Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
- Demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
- Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.
What you can recover
for willful failure: recover the wrongfully retained portion plus $300 or twice the wrongfully retained portion, whichever is greater Bad faith required: Yes.
This is class P1, found in 36 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.
Statute says
The willful failure to comply with R.S. 9:3251 shall give the tenant or lessee the right to recover any portion of the security deposit wrongfully retained and three hundred dollars or twice the amount of the portion of the security deposit wrongfully retained, whichever is greater, from the landlord or lessor, or from the lessor's successor in interest. Failure to remit within thirty days after written demand for a refund shall constitute willful failure.
What this means
Tenant resources
- LouisianaLawHelp.orglegal aid
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Serviceslegal aid, 844-244-7871
- Acadiana Legal Service Corporationlegal aid, 866-275-2572
- Louisiana Attorney General Public Protection Divisionag consumer, 800-351-4889
- Louisiana Civil Legal Navigatorcourt self help
FAQ
Which court handles a security deposit claim in Louisiana?
Justice of the Peace Court or Parish Court (venue: domicile parish of the lessor or parish where the property is situated). Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
What is the deposit claim limit in Louisiana?
The limit varies by parish and court.
What is the return deadline in Louisiana?
one month (return of deposit or itemized statement of retained amounts; the statute uses one month) or 30 calendar days (failure to remit within 30 days after written demand constitutes willful failure for penalty purposes under R.S. 9:3252)