Housing

HB 292 clarifies Louisiana's security deposit return rules for residential tenants. It requires landlords to return all or part of a security deposit within one month after a lease ends, or up to two months if both parties agree in writing. Landlords may only keep funds to cover legitimate costs like repairs for tenant-caused damage or unreasonable wear, and must provide a detailed written explanation for any retained amount. This directly affects residential tenants and landlords across Louisiana by standardizing deposit return timelines and requiring transparent accounting.

HB 297 expands Louisiana tenants' right to early lease termination to include victims of stalking and cyberstalking, in addition to domestic abuse. It directly affects residential tenants who are victims of these crimes and need to leave their rental properties for safety. The bill requires tenants to provide documentation from a qualified third party (like a social worker, police officer, or prosecutor) and complete a specific certification form detailing the incident and why remaining on the premises is unsafe. This creates a formal process for tenants to terminate leases early without penalty, while requiring lessors to follow defined procedures for approval.

SB 89 requires the tax assessor in St. Charles Parish to provide property owners with a form for permanent registration of the homestead exemption, which reduces property taxes for primary residences. This directly affects homeowners in St. Charles Parish who would no longer need to reapply annually for the exemption. The bill amends existing law to specifically include St. Charles Parish in the list of parishes mandated to offer this permanent registration form, streamlining the process for eligible residents. The law would take effect upon gubernatorial approval or legislative override of a veto.