Louisiana Rent Late Fee Calculator
Calculate rent late fees and verify compliance with Louisiana state regulations. Free instant calculator with legal compliance verification.
Louisiana takes a unique approach to rent late fees by imposing no statutory cap or maximum limit on late fee amounts for residential rentals. This landlord-friendly framework relies entirely on a 'reasonableness' standard and market practices, giving landlords significant discretion while requiring they ensure fees are properly disclosed in lease agreements.(Louisiana Civil Code Title IX (Articles 2668-2729))
Unlike many states with explicit percentage caps (e.g., Delaware's 5%, Oregon's structured limits), Louisiana Civil Code Title IX governs leases but does not specify maximum late fee amounts. This absence of a hard cap means Louisiana courts apply a reasonableness test when evaluating disputed fees, typically accepting 5-10% of monthly rent as industry standard.
Articles 2668-2729 establish general lease principles including lessor/lessee obligations, repairs, termination, but do not specify late fee caps
Related Statutes
In Louisiana, 'reasonable' late fees are determined by industry practice, actual damages, and market comparisons. While state law provides no specific caps, industry surveys and legal resources suggest 5-10% of monthly rent is commonly accepted.
For example, a $50 late fee on $1,000 monthly rent (5%) is conservative and unlikely to face challenge, while a $300 fee (30%) would likely be struck down as punitive and unenforceable. Louisiana law does not require mandatory grace periods, so landlords can legally charge fees the day after rent is due if the lease permits, though many offer 3-5 days voluntarily.
Factors Courts Consider:
- Industry standard: 5-10% of monthly rent is widely accepted in Louisiana markets
- Actual damages test: Fees should compensate for administrative costs, not serve as punishment
- Market comparisons: Fees similar to those charged by comparable properties
- Lease disclosure: Must be clearly written in the lease before tenancy begins
- Court discretion: Judges may invalidate excessive fees deemed unconscionable
New Orleans
New Orleans follows state law without additional late fee caps. The city has adopted rental registration and inspection requirements, but late fee amounts remain governed by the reasonableness standard. Landlords should ensure compliance with city housing codes.
Learn moreBaton Rouge
Baton Rouge enforces state late fee standards without municipal modifications. East Baton Rouge Parish has rental unit registration requirements but does not regulate late fee amounts beyond the state's reasonableness test.
Shreveport, Lafayette, and Other Cities
All Louisiana municipalities follow state civil code provisions for late fees. Local ordinances focus primarily on property maintenance, habitability, and registration rather than fee amounts.
Louisiana Late Fee Case Law Trends
Louisiana courts continue to enforce late fee provisions as written if properly disclosed, applying the unconscionability doctrine to extremely excessive fees (e.g., 25%+ of rent). Fees must reasonably relate to actual damages from late payment. Most disputes are resolved in parish courts without appellate review, creating limited published precedent but generally favoring fees within the 5-10% industry standard.
Texas
No statutory cap, similar reasonableness standard to Louisiana
Arkansas
No cap, reasonableness standard (similar to Louisiana)
Mississippi
No cap, reasonableness standard (similar to Louisiana)
Tennessee
Flat $100 or 10% cap (more restrictive than Louisiana)
Landlord Best Practices:
- •Set fees at 5-10%: Stay within widely accepted market range to minimize legal risk
- •Provide written disclosure: Include exact late fee amount and timing in every lease
- •Consider voluntary grace period: 3-5 days reduces disputes and improves tenant relations
- •Document actual costs: Maintain records of administrative expenses from late payments
- •Apply fees consistently: Selective enforcement may violate fair housing laws
- •Separate accounting: Track late fees separately from rent in financial records
- •Review annually: Update late fee provisions to reflect market rates and legal developments
- •Consult legal counsel: When charging fees above 10%, seek attorney review
Tenant Best Practices:
- •Read lease carefully: Understand exact late fee amount and when it applies
- •Request grace period: Ask landlord to include 3-5 day grace period if not provided
- •Pay rent on time: Set up automatic payments or reminders to avoid fees entirely
- •Document all payments: Keep receipts, bank records, or screenshots of rent payments
- •Challenge excessive fees: If charged unreasonable fees, request written justification
- •Know your rights: Late fees must be in written lease to be enforceable
- •Negotiate when needed: Communicate proactively with landlord if facing temporary hardship
- •Seek legal help: Contact Louisiana Legal Services for free advice if facing unfair fees
Louisiana Civil Code Online
Official source for all Louisiana statutes governing lease relationships
LouisianaLawHelp.org
Provides free legal information, forms, and referrals for tenants facing housing disputes
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Offers free legal assistance for tenants in Greater New Orleans and surrounding parishes
Louisiana Housing Corporation
State agency providing rental assistance programs and tenant education materials
Frequently Asked Questions - Louisiana
10-day grace period. Maximum $25 or 5% of rent, whichever is greater.
View Official State Law →Updated October 2025