1. Premises
Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at [[Full Street Address, Unit/Apt #, City, Louisiana ZIP Code]] (the "Premises"), together with any assigned parking, storage, and included appliances/furnishings listed in Exhibit A (Move-In Inventory).
The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence by Tenant and the permitted occupants listed in Section 7. No business or commercial use is permitted without Landlord's prior written consent.
2. Term
The initial term begins on [[Lease Start Date]] and ends on [[Lease End Date]] ("Initial Term").
Thereafter, unless either party gives written notice of non-renewal at least [[30/60]] days prior to expiration (or as required by law), the tenancy shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy on the same terms.
3. Rent
Tenant shall pay monthly Rent of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], due in advance on the [[Due Day of Month]] day of each month.
Payment method: [[e.g., personal check, cashier's check, electronic payment to account or portal at [[Payment Portal or Address]]]].
First month's rent is prorated if the term begins mid-month. Rent is payable without demand, deduction, or offset.
4. Security Deposit (La. R.S. 9:3251)
Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] upon execution of this Lease.
The deposit secures Tenant's performance. Landlord may apply it to unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or costs to restore the Premises to move-in condition (ordinary wear excepted).
Return: Within one (1) month after termination of the tenancy and Tenant's vacating the Premises, Landlord shall either return the deposit in full or provide Tenant a written itemized statement of any amounts withheld and the reasons, together with payment of any balance due. Tenant must provide a forwarding address in writing.
Failure by Landlord to comply with La. R.S. 9:3251 may subject Landlord to penalties under La. R.S. 9:3252 (damages of $300 or twice the wrongfully withheld amount, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees in some cases).
Tenant may not apply the deposit as last month's rent.
5. Late Charges and Returned Payments
If rent is not received by the due date, Landlord may assess a reasonable late charge after any grace period provided by law or disclosed herein. A returned-payment fee of [[$25 or actual bank fee plus reasonable admin]] applies to any dishonored payment.
6. Utilities and Services
Tenant shall be responsible for and pay promptly: [[Electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, cable - specify]].
Landlord shall be responsible for: [[List, e.g. none or trash if included]].
Tenant shall not allow utility service to be disconnected.
7. Occupants; Guests; Assignment/Subletting
Only Tenant and the following additional occupants may reside at the Premises: [[List names or "None"]].
No guest may stay longer than [[14 consecutive days / 30 total days in any 12-month period]] without Landlord's prior written consent. Unauthorized occupants may be treated as a breach.
Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part without Landlord's prior written consent (which may be withheld in Landlord's sole discretion).
8. Use; Quiet Enjoyment; Compliance with Law
Tenant shall use the Premises only for lawful residential purposes, shall not create a nuisance, and shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, HOA/condo rules, and reasonable rules adopted by Landlord.
Tenant shall not disturb the peaceful enjoyment of neighbors.
9. Landlord's Maintenance and Habitability Obligations
Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and comply with all applicable housing and building codes. Landlord shall keep structural components, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC (if supplied), and supplied appliances in good working order consistent with Louisiana Civil Code obligations of the lessor.
10. Tenant's Maintenance and Care Obligations
Tenant shall keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and in good condition; properly use all systems, appliances, and fixtures; promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs or defects; and be responsible for damage caused by Tenant's negligence, misuse, or that of Tenant's guests or occupants (beyond ordinary wear and tear).
11. Landlord's Right of Entry
Landlord may enter the Premises at reasonable times with reasonable notice (typically 24 hours where feasible) to inspect, make repairs, show to prospective tenants or purchasers, or as otherwise permitted by law. In case of emergency threatening life or property, Landlord may enter without notice.
12. Alterations; Fixtures
Tenant shall not make alterations, additions, paint, or install fixtures, antennas, or equipment without Landlord's prior written consent. Approved improvements become Landlord's property upon installation unless otherwise agreed in writing.
13. Pets
No pets or animals of any kind are permitted without Landlord's prior written consent and execution of a pet addendum (if any). Tenant is responsible for all damage, odors, or nuisance caused by any permitted pet. Service and assistance animals required by law are permitted with proper documentation.
14. Smoking
Smoking of any kind (tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes, etc.) is [[prohibited inside the Premises and within 25 feet of entrances / permitted only in designated outdoor areas]].
15. Parking and Vehicles
Assigned parking: [[Description or "none"]]. Only operable, registered, insured vehicles may be parked in assigned spaces. No inoperable vehicles, major repairs, or storage of vehicles. Violations may result in towing at owner's expense after notice required by law.
16. Default; Remedies; Termination
Tenant is in default if Tenant fails to pay rent when due, breaches any term of this Lease, abandons the Premises, or engages in illegal activity on the Premises.
Upon default, Landlord may pursue all remedies available under Louisiana law, including service of appropriate notice to vacate under La. C.C.P. arts. 4701 et seq. (commonly 5-day notice to vacate where right of occupancy has ceased), and filing for possession/eviction. Landlord shall not engage in self-help eviction (changing locks, shutting off utilities).
After termination, Tenant remains liable for rent for the balance of the term, subject to Landlord's duty to mitigate.
17. Holdover
If Tenant remains in possession after the term without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be a holdover tenant and shall pay [[150% of monthly rent or other holdover rate]] per month plus any damages. Landlord may treat holdover as month-to-month or pursue eviction.
18. Surrender; Move-Out
At the end of the tenancy, Tenant shall remove all personal property, return all keys and access devices, leave the Premises broom-clean and in the same condition as at move-in (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and provide written forwarding address. Tenant shall complete any required move-out inspection walk-through if scheduled.
19. Notices
All notices shall be in writing. Notices to Tenant may be delivered personally, by certified mail to the Premises, or by other methods permitted by law. Notices to Landlord shall be sent to the notice address above or such other address as Landlord designates in writing.
20. Security; Liability; Indemnity
Landlord does not guarantee security. Tenant assumes all risk for Tenant's personal property. Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or violation of law, Tenant shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from claims arising from Tenant's use of the Premises or acts of Tenant's occupants or guests.
21. Renter's Insurance
Tenant is strongly encouraged (and may be required if disclosed) to maintain renter's insurance with personal liability coverage of at least $[[300,000]] and property coverage. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's belongings or liability.
22. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if pre-1978)
If the Premises was built before 1978, federal law (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards and provision of the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home." Landlord has [[no knowledge of lead-based paint / attached disclosure]].
23. Other Required Disclosures
- Mold / Moisture: Landlord is not aware of any current water intrusion or mold contamination requiring remediation. Tenant shall promptly report any signs of water intrusion or mold.
- Bedbugs: Landlord has [[no knowledge / provided information]] regarding current or prior bedbug infestation. Tenant shall report suspected infestation immediately.
- Flood / Disaster: Flood zone or repetitive loss status: [[Disclose or "Tenant should verify with parish flood maps and insurance agent"]].
- Registered Sex Offender: Information about registered sex offenders is available at the Louisiana State Police website or local law enforcement.
24. Severability; Entire Agreement; Waiver
If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force. This Lease (including exhibits and any addenda) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes prior negotiations. No waiver of any breach shall constitute a waiver of any other breach. Modifications must be in writing signed by both parties.
25. Governing Law; Venue
This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of Louisiana. Any legal action shall be brought in the court of competent jurisdiction in the parish where the Premises is located.
26. Attorney Fees
In any action to enforce this Lease, the prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs as permitted by law.
27. Joint and Several Liability
Each person signing as Tenant is jointly and severally liable for all obligations under this Lease.
28. Time of Essence; Counterparts; Electronic Signatures
Time is of the essence. This Lease may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature (including DocuSign or similar), which shall have the same force as original ink signatures.
29. Exhibits and Addenda
The following are attached and incorporated by reference:
- Exhibit A: Move-In / Move-Out Inventory & Condition Checklist
- Exhibit B: Rules and Regulations (if any)
- [[Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if applicable)]]
- [[Pet Addendum (if applicable)]]
- [[Other: [[Additional Addenda]]]]
30. Signatures
LANDLORD
By: ______________________________ Date: _______
Name/Title: [[Landlord Signatory Name]]
TENANT(S)
______________________________ Date: _______
[[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
______________________________ Date: _______
[[Additional Tenant Name]]
GUARANTOR (if any)
I personally guarantee all of Tenant's obligations under this Lease.
______________________________ Date: _______
[[Guarantor Full Name]]
Primary sources as of 2026-06: La. R.S. 9:3251-9:3252 (security deposits - one-month return and itemized statement); La. C.C.P. arts. 4701-4703 (notice to vacate); Louisiana Civil Code arts. 2668 et seq. (lease obligations, habitability, lessor/lessee duties); 42 U.S.C. § 4852d (lead paint).
> Template - not legal advice. Louisiana eviction and lease law has specific procedural requirements (including 5-day notice-to-vacate framework). Verify current statutes on legis.la.gov, local parish rules, and any lease waiver language before use. Consult a Louisiana-licensed attorney.
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Primary sources as of 2026-06: See inline citations. This is a sample template for educational and illustrative purposes only.
> Template - not legal advice. Verify all figures, clauses, execution formalities, disclosures, and required forms against the current statutes, court rules, and any local ordinances for the jurisdiction before use. Laws change; consult a licensed attorney in the relevant state for advice specific to your situation.
