The New Orleans security deposit demand letter that gets deposits back.
Your New Orleans landlord must act within one month after termination of the lease under La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251-3254. If they missed it, the statute is written on your side. We cite the statute, mail your demand USPS Certified, and track the response.
The law that protects your deposit
Deposits in New Orleans are governed by Louisiana state law: La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3251-3254. Willful failure makes the landlord liable for the withheld amount PLUS $300 or twice the amount wrongfully withheld, whichever is greater. Failure to remit within 30 days of written demand is willful failure by statute. Full Louisiana deadline & penalty guide →
If the landlord ignores your letter
Deposit claims from New Orleans are typically filed in the small-claims court serving Orleans Parish — designed for people without lawyers, with modest filing fees.
New Orleans at a glance
Population ~364,000 (U.S. Census 2024 estimate, rounded). Every deposit dispute here runs on the same clock: the 30-day statutory window — and a certified letter is the documented first step.
General legal information, not legal advice. City-specific ordinances change; verify current rules or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.