About Your Security Deposit - How to Get It Back
Authored By: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (New Orleans office) 
FAQ Security Deposits
What is a security deposit?
A security deposit is money that you give your landlord when you move in. Your landlord can use the deposit to cover any unpaid rent, and the cost to repair damage above normal wear and tear, after you move.
If there is no damage above normal wear or unpaid rent when you move out, your landlord should give your security deposit back to you.
You may not use your security deposit to cover your last month's rent unless your landlord agrees.
Read all of the questions and answers to get important information about security deposits.
What can I be charged for a security deposit?
There is no limit on how much your landlord can charge for a security deposit; however it is typically one month’s rent. If you are on Section 8 and pay a small portion of rent, your landlord can charge you a deposit equal to the full contract rent. For example if the full rent for your unit is $800 but you only pay $200, your landlord can still charge you an $800 security deposit.
If you believe a landlord is trying to charge you a higher security deposit than other people because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or the number of children you have, the landlord may be illegally discriminating against you. If this happens to you, talk to an attorney or call the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center at (504) 596-2100.
Does my landlord have to pay interest on my security deposit?
A security deposit is your money. However, your landlord does not have to pay interest unless you both agreed to this in your lease agreement.
Does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
Yes, unless you owe rent or damaged your apartment above normal wear. Your landlord may deduct those costs from your deposit. He may also be able to keep your deposit if you did not give him proper notice before you moved out. You should check your lease to see how much notice is required before you move, because some leases require more than 30 days. For example, if you give 30 days’ notice, but your lease requires 60 days’ notice, your landlord can charge you a month’s rent after you move out.
You can sue your landlord if you disagree with the amount of money he takes out of your deposit, or if the landlord will not return your deposit.
There are steps you can take to help protect your right to get back your deposit, talked about in other questions and answers on this page.
Can my landlord keep my deposit for any type of damage?
No. Your landlord cannot keep your security deposit for "normal wear and tear."
Examples of "normal wear and tear" are:
a worn carpet;
worn finish on wood floors;
faded paint;
small holes in screens.
Your landlord also cannot keep your deposit for damage that was there when you moved in. The best way to protect yourself from being charged for damage you did not cause is to take time-stamped photos when you move in and time-stamped photos when you move out. That way you can prove that you did not cause the damage.
The landlord may deduct the cost of fixing damage to the property that is more than "normal wear and tear."
Examples of things that are not normal wear and tear:
broken windows;
holes in the walls;
extremely soiled or stained carpet that was not like that when you moved in;
leaving trash that has to be thrown away;
leaving your apartment dirty.
If your apartment is damaged by a storm, fire or vandal, tell your landlord right away. The landlord cannot charge you for repairs if you, your family or guests did not cause the damage.
What notice do I have to give if I am moving?
You have to give your landlord the right notice that you are moving out to protect your right to get back your security deposit.
If you have a year lease you generally must give a 30-day written notice of your intent to move. Check your lease to see if it requires more notice.
If you have a month-to-month lease or no written lease, you must give the landlord a 10-day written notice of your intent to move before the end of the current rental month. If you have a written lease or other agreement, read it to see what kind of notice you must give before moving out. You must follow your lease if it requires more notice than the law. For example many leases roll over month-to-month after the first year, but still require 30 days’ notice of your intent to move.
You may lose your right to your security deposit if you do not give the right notice. Your landlord may also try to charge you for time after you move.
Other questions and answers on this page have more information about what kind of notice you have to give your landlord.
When does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
The landlord gets 30 days after you move out to do one of two things: (1) return your deposit or (2) send you a letter telling you why the landlord is not giving back all or part of your deposit.
So, within 30 days after moving out, the landlord should either give you your money back or you should have a statement from the landlord explaining why the landlord is keeping all or part of the money.
If the landlord sends a statement, this letter has to be "itemized." That means the landlord has to list the specific things covered by the money the landlord is keeping.
To help protect your right to get your deposit back, when you terminate (end) your lease you must give your landlord the right kind of notice that you are moving out.
You must also give your landlord a forwarding address where the landlord can send you your deposit or an itemized statement saying why you are not getting some or all of the money back.
If I take my landlord to court can he sue me?
Keep in mind that if you owe your landlord money, the landlord might bring a claim for the money you owe the landlord to counter your claim for the deposit.
So, if you owe the landlord more money than the landlord owes you, suing the landlord may not be a good idea.
On the other hand, if the landlord sues you, you may be able to counterclaim for the return of your deposit and for any other money the landlord owes you.
What happens to my deposit if my building is sold?
If your building is sold during your lease, your landlord must give your security deposit to the new owner.
When the lease ends, the new owner is responsible for the return of your deposit.
If your landlord does not transfer your deposit to the new owner, the landlord may have to return your deposit to you.
What can I do to help protect my security deposit?
Follow these tips and you will have a better chance of getting your security deposit back when you move out.
Before or when you move in:
Get a payment receipt for your security deposit and keep it.
When you move in, make a list of defects or things that are wrong with the apartment and get your landlord to sign it.
Take time-stamped photos of the apartment when you move in.
When you are ready to move out:
Give your landlord the right kind of advance notice in writing of your plan to move out. If you have a lease, read it to find out how you have to give notice before moving out. Keep a copy of the notice and proof of how you sent it for your records, including any proof of mailing. If you want to fill out your form online using the LawHelp Interactive site, see the tab on the left of this guide about using the computer to create a letter to tell your landlord that you are moving out.
Return keys on time and to the right person.
Make sure your rent is paid and up to date before you leave.
Make sure your apartment is in good condition when you move out. Take time-stamped pictures of the apartment, and make notes about what is right and what is wrong with the apartment when you leave.
Have a friend or relative look over the apartment just before you move out. He can be a witness in case you have to go to court to get your deposit back.
Leave the apartment clean and throw out all trash.
After you move out:
Read all of the steps below to find out what you can do to try to get your security deposit back.
STEP 1
Send a letter to your landlord asking for your deposit back. It is a good idea to send the letter by certified mail so you can prove it was sent. Make sure the letter to the landlord has a forwarding address where the landlord can send you your deposit or a statement.
Keep a copy of the letter you send, plus proof of when and how you mailed it, for your records.
There is an online forms program to help you fill out your letter, on a site called "LawHelp Interactive."
If you want to fill out your form online using the LawHelp Interactive site, see the tab on the left of this guide about using the computer to create your letter. The program to help you create your letter online is on a site called LawHelp Interactive. (Note: if you have problems with a "popup blocker" you may have to hold down the key marked "Ctrl" while clicking.)
STEP 2
If 30 days go by and you have not received your deposit back, or you have only received part of your deposit back, you can sue your landlord for the balance. The easiest and least expensive way to sue your landlord is in Small Claims Court, where you do not need an attorney. To sue in small claims court your claim must be less than $5,000. If your claim is more than $5,000 you can sue in parish or city court, or in district court, but your costs will be higher and you may need an attorney.
To sue your landlord in small claims court:
As of January 1, 2019, if your landlord did not return your deposit or an itemized accounting of deductions within 30 days of your letter, you can ask the court for your deposit back PLUS a penalty of two times the amount wrongfully withheld. This means that if your deposit is $800, your landlord did not respond to your letter in 30 days, and the judge decides you should get your full deposit back, you could be awarded $2,400. If the judge decides you are only owed $500 of your deposit back because of damage to the unit, you could be awarded $1,500. You can also get awarded costs and attorney’s fees as a penalty.
The landlord’s obligation to respond your letter, and the penalty when he doesn’t, appear in the law at Louisiana Revised Statutes § 9:3251 and § 9:3252. You should be sure to ask for the penalty and cite the law when you go to court.
See other question and answer resources on www.LouisianaLawHelp.org for more information.
