Last updated: April 2026
Houma renters are protected by Louisiana state law — but not by local rent control, which does not exist anywhere in Louisiana. Here is what every Houma tenant needs to know about deposits, eviction notices, and habitability rights under the Louisiana Civil Code.
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Houma is the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish and the primary city of the Houma-Thibodaux metropolitan area in southeastern Louisiana. With a population of roughly 32,000, Houma is a hub for the oil-and-gas industry and Gulf Coast maritime economy. The area has been significantly affected by hurricanes in recent decades, making housing stability an especially important issue for local renters. Common questions from Houma tenants include how quickly deposits must be returned, what notice is required before eviction, and what protections exist after a disaster.
Tenant rights in Houma are governed entirely by Louisiana state law — primarily the Louisiana Civil Code and La. R.S. § 9:3251 through § 9:3261. Terrebonne Parish and the City of Houma have enacted no local rent control ordinances, just-cause eviction requirements, or other tenant-specific protections beyond what the state provides. Louisiana's landlord-tenant framework is based on the Civil Code and is generally more landlord-favorable than the statutory schemes in most other states.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change and individual circumstances vary. If you are facing eviction or a housing dispute in Houma, contact Acadiana Legal Service Corporation or a licensed Louisiana attorney.
Houma has no rent control, and Louisiana has no statewide rent control law. No Louisiana city or parish — including Terrebonne Parish — has enacted any rent stabilization or rent control ordinance. There is no cap on how much a landlord can raise rent in Houma, and increases are not required to be tied to any inflation index or benchmark.
For month-to-month tenants, the only procedural protection is that a landlord must provide at least 10 days' written notice before the new rental period begins (La. Civ. Code art. 2728). This is one of the shortest statutory notice periods in the country. Fixed-term lease holders are protected from mid-lease increases unless the lease explicitly permits them.
Renters concerned about large rent increases have no local regulatory remedy in Houma. Options include negotiating directly with your landlord, documenting all communications in writing, and contacting Acadiana Legal Service Corporation if you believe a landlord is retaliating against you for exercising tenant rights.
Louisiana state law provides several core protections for renters in Houma. Each is summarized below with its governing authority.
Habitability (La. Civ. Code art. 2696–2697): Louisiana landlords have an implied obligation to deliver and maintain the leased premises in a condition fit for the purpose for which they were leased. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after written notice, the tenant may seek a rent reduction, repair-and-deduct in appropriate circumstances, or lease termination. Statutory remedies are less detailed than under URLTA-based laws — document all habitability concerns in writing.
Security Deposit Rules (La. R.S. § 9:3251): Landlords must return the deposit — or provide a written itemized statement of deductions and any remaining balance — within 30 days of the tenancy's termination and the tenant's delivery of possession. Failure to comply can make the landlord liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month Tenancy (La. Civ. Code art. 2728): Either party must give at least 10 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month lease. Many written leases in Houma require longer notice — check your lease carefully.
Eviction Notice Requirements: Before filing for eviction, landlords must serve written notice — typically 5 days for nonpayment of rent (La. Civ. Code art. 4701). After notice expires, the landlord must file in court.
Self-Help Eviction Prohibited: Louisiana courts prohibit landlords from changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force out a tenant without a court order. Tenants affected by an unlawful lockout may seek emergency court relief.
Disaster and Habitability Considerations: Following hurricanes or other disasters, Louisiana's habitability obligations remain in force. If your unit becomes uninhabitable due to conditions the landlord is responsible for, you may have grounds to terminate the lease or seek a rent reduction. Document damage with photographs and notify your landlord in writing immediately.
Security deposit rules for Houma renters are established by La. R.S. § 9:3251. There is no statutory cap on the deposit amount — landlords may require one month's rent, two months' rent, or more, subject to any limit in your lease.
Return Deadline: After your tenancy ends and you deliver possession of the unit, your landlord has 30 days to return the full deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions along with any remaining balance. Promptly return your keys and obtain written confirmation to establish the clock clearly.
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, cleaning costs beyond normal wear and tear, and damage the tenant caused beyond ordinary use. Normal wear and tear is not a valid basis for deduction.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees (La. R.S. § 9:3251(C)). This penalty is a significant deterrent to non-compliance.
Best Practices: Provide your forwarding address in writing at or before move-out. Photograph every room during move-in and move-out. Conduct a joint walkthrough with your landlord if possible and ask for a written acknowledgment of the unit's condition.
Evictions in Houma follow Louisiana state law, which requires landlords to complete a multi-step court process before removing a tenant. Self-help eviction is prohibited.
Step 1 — Written Notice: The landlord must serve written notice before filing in court:
Step 2 — Eviction Filing: If the tenant does not comply or vacate, the landlord files a rule to vacate in Louisiana district court. The tenant is served and has the opportunity to appear and contest the eviction.
Step 3 — Hearing: Both parties present evidence. If the court rules for the landlord, a judgment of eviction is entered. Tenants may raise defenses such as payment of rent, retaliatory eviction, or failure to maintain habitable conditions.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: After judgment, a Writ of Possession is issued. A constable or marshal may then execute the writ if the tenant has not vacated voluntarily.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: Landlords may not change locks, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out without a court order. Tenants subjected to an unlawful lockout should seek emergency court relief and contact Acadiana Legal Service Corporation immediately.
No Just-Cause Requirement: Louisiana does not require landlords to have a specific reason to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. Proper 10-day notice is sufficient absent other lease provisions.
No. Houma has no rent control ordinance, and Louisiana has no statewide rent control law. No Louisiana city or parish has enacted rent stabilization. Landlords in Houma may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
There is no limit on rent increases in Houma or anywhere in Louisiana. For month-to-month tenants, landlords must provide at least 10 days' written notice before the new rent takes effect (La. Civ. Code art. 2728). If you have a fixed-term lease, your landlord generally cannot raise rent mid-lease unless your lease explicitly permits it.
Your landlord has 30 days after you vacate and deliver possession to return your deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions (La. R.S. § 9:3251). If the landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may be entitled to double the amount withheld plus attorney's fees. Provide your forwarding address in writing and document your move-out condition with photos.
For nonpayment of rent, landlords must serve a written 5-day notice to pay or vacate (La. Civ. Code art. 4701). For a no-fault termination of a month-to-month tenancy, at least 10 days' written notice is required (La. Civ. Code art. 2728). After notice expires, the landlord must file for eviction in court — you cannot be removed without a court order.
No. Self-help eviction is prohibited by Louisiana courts. Your landlord may not change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out without first obtaining a court order. If your landlord does this, seek emergency court relief and contact Acadiana Legal Service Corporation immediately.
Louisiana law requires landlords to maintain the premises in a condition fit for its intended use (La. Civ. Code art. 2696–2697). Submit all repair requests in writing and keep copies. If the landlord fails to act, you may have remedies including a rent reduction, repair-and-deduct, or lease termination depending on the severity. Contact Acadiana Legal Service Corporation for guidance specific to your situation.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws, statutes, and local ordinances can change, and individual circumstances vary significantly. RentCheckMe makes reasonable efforts to keep this content accurate and up to date, but we cannot guarantee that all information reflects the current state of the law. If you are facing an eviction, a dispute with your landlord, or any other housing legal matter, please consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization such as Acadiana Legal Service Corporation. Do not rely solely on this page when making legal decisions about your tenancy.
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