💵 Rental Application Fees

Louisiana **does not limit** application fees—landlords and agents may charge *any* reasonable amount to cover screening (e.g., credit/background checks). These fees are typically **non‑refundable**, unless the landlord didn’t comply with notice requirements. ^[1]^[4]

✉️ Written Disclosure Requirement

Under La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3258.1, landlords **must** provide written notice *before* collecting any application fee, stating:

The **amount** of the fee;
Which criteria may be considered (credit score, employment, criminal history, eviction record);
That applicants can include a statement (≤200 words) about hardship related to hurricanes or the COVID‑19 pandemic.

This notice may be given electronically (e‑signed OK) and applies to nearly all rental properties. ^[2]^[3]

✅ Screening Reports & FCRA Compliance

Landlords can require applicants to authorize/pay for credit or background checks. They must also comply with the federal FCRA—meaning they need **written consent**, and if rejecting an applicant based on the report, they must send an **adverse action notice** with report and consumer rights info. ^[4]

💰 Security Deposits & Prepaid Rent

Louisiana law places **no cap** on security deposit amounts. Landlords may also charge **non‑refundable fees**—such as pet or administrative fees—if clearly stated in the lease. Prepaid rent beyond the first month is also permissible. ^[4]

🏦 Deposit Return & Deductions

Deposits are considered the tenant’s property until lease termination.
Within **30 days** of lease end, landlords must return deposits or provide an **itemized list** of deductions. Acceptable deductions include unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear. ^[6]
If improperly withheld, tenants may recover the wrongfully withheld amount plus up to **$300**, whichever is greater. ^[4]

🚫 Unauthorized Fees & Disputes

There’s no statewide ban on application or admin fees, but these fees must be **reasonable**, **disclosed in writing**, and not used to *profit* at applicants’ expense. If fees are excessive or not disclosed properly, tenants may dispute them (e.g., small claims court, Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act).