Louisiana remains a landlord-friendly state in 2025, with no statewide rent control or caps on how much or how often landlords can raise rent. This means landlords can increase rent by any amount they choose, as long as they follow proper notice procedures and do not violate anti-discrimination or retaliation laws.
When Can Rent Be Increased?
Fixed-Term Leases (e.g., 1-year):
- Landlords cannot raise rent during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows for it.
- Rent can only be increased at the end of the lease, with notice typically required 30 days before the lease expires.
Month-to-Month Agreements:
- Landlords can raise rent at any time, but must provide at least a 10-day written notice before the increase takes effect.
- There is no limit on how frequently rent can be raised for month-to-month tenants4.
Notice Requirements
| Lease Type | Minimum Notice Required for Rent Increase |
|---|---|
| Fixed-term lease | 30 days before lease ends |
| Month-to-month lease | 10 days before increase takes effect |
Notice must be in writing and should clearly state the new rent amount and the date it will begin.
Legal Protections for Tenants
- No Discrimination: Landlords cannot raise rent for discriminatory reasons (race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status) under the Fair Housing Act.
- No Retaliation: It is illegal to raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights, such as filing a complaint or joining a tenant union.
- Lease Terms Govern: If your lease has specific provisions about rent increases, those terms control unless they violate state or federal law.
How Much Can Rent Be Raised?
- No Limit: There is no legal limit on the amount or percentage a landlord can increase rent.
- Market Rates: While there’s no cap, most landlords consider local market rates to avoid vacancies and maintain good tenant relations.
- Negotiation: Tenants can try to negotiate the increase or seek alternative housing if the new rent is unaffordable.
What to Do If You Receive a Rent Increase Notice
- Review Your Lease: Check for any clauses about rent increases or renewal terms.
- Check the Notice: Make sure the landlord gave you the required notice in writing.
- Know Your Rights: If you suspect discrimination or retaliation, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Negotiate or Move: If the increase is too high, you may try to negotiate or decide to move out at the end of your lease.
Key Takeaways
- No rent control: Landlords can raise rent by any amount after proper notice.
- Notice required: 30 days for fixed-term leases, 10 days for month-to-month agreements.
- No mid-lease increases unless the lease specifically allows it.
- Rent hikes cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory.
- Tenants’ main protections come from lease terms and federal Fair Housing laws.
In summary: Louisiana tenants should be vigilant about lease terms and notice requirements, as state law offers little protection against large or frequent rent increases. Open communication and understanding your rights are essential in navigating rent changes in 2025.
Sources:
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-louisiana
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-louisiana
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/louisiana-landlord-tenant-rights
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/louisiana-rent-control-laws/
