Louisiana Legislative Session

The Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans worked along side The Apartment Association of Louisiana and other affiliates during the 2026 Legislative Session.  Below is a recap of the 2026 session

Dear Members:

The 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session has officially concluded, and on behalf of the Apartment Association of Louisiana (AAL), we would first and foremost like to sincerely thank all of our members for their quick action and participation in the many Calls to Action issued throughout the session.

Your emails, phone calls, testimony, and outreach efforts truly make a difference in Baton Rouge. Grassroots involvement from our members is one of the most important tools we have in protecting and advancing the rental housing industry throughout Louisiana. Legislative advocacy is a critical part of what your membership dues support, and this session once again demonstrated just how important a strong, unified industry voice can be.

Below is a summary of several key bills AAL monitored and worked on during the 2026 Legislative Session: Please note the governor has a window of time to veto any bills, however we do not anticipate any vetos.

Senate Bill 46 – Senator Mike Reese
This bill created a new criminal offense related to operating unlicensed group homes. The legislation primarily stemmed from issues involving group homes operating within subdivisions in parts of the Baton Rouge area.

While AAL agreed the issue needed to be addressed, the original language contained provisions that could have unintentionally impacted the apartment industry. After discussions and amendments to address our concerns, the legislation was revised appropriately and ultimately passed through the Legislature.

Senate Bill 362 – Senator Royce Duplessis
This bill prohibited discrimination based on biometric and personal data, including fingerprints, voice recognition, facial recognition, genetics, citizenship status, Social Security numbers, and other personal characteristics. It also proposed adding additional elements to Louisiana’s Unfair Trade Practices laws.

AAL and numerous other organizations expressed concerns regarding the broad scope and potential unintended consequences of the bill on housing providers and businesses statewide. Due to the significant concerns raised, Senator Duplessis voluntarily deferred the bill.

House Bill 292 – Representative Delisha Boyd
AAL supported this legislation relating to lease deposit refunds.

As originally filed, the bill proposed extending the timeframe for returning security deposits or providing an itemized statement from 30 days to 60 days. After negotiations and amendments, the final version maintains the current 30-day requirement for returning deposits. However, if a property owner is withholding all or part of a deposit and needs additional time to obtain estimates or pricing related to damages or repairs, the timeframe to provide the former resident with the required documentation was extended to 45 days.

The bill successfully passed.

House Bill 297 – Representative Mandie Landry
This legislation addressed early lease termination rights for victims of stalking and cyberstalking.

AAL supported the bill as amended, as it maintained reasonable documentation requirements and notice provisions. Residents seeking lease termination under this law must still provide appropriate supporting documentation, such as court-issued documents or certification from a licensed professional, along with the required notice period. The bill successfully passed.

House Bill 472 – Representative Alonzo Knox
This legislation proposed allowing local governments and municipalities to implement rent stabilization measures, effectively creating rent control authority at the local level.

AAL strongly opposed this bill due to the negative long-term impacts rent control policies can have on housing availability, property operations, investment, and affordability. The National Apartment Association also assisted AAL by providing valuable research and testimony talking points.

Representative Knox was encouraged to voluntarily defer the bill and allow the issue to instead be studied further through the Louisiana Law Institute process. Although discussions initially indicated a study resolution would be pursued, the bill later returned with amendments limiting applicability to declared natural disaster emergencies.

At the end of the day, AAL remains firmly opposed to any form of rent control or rent stabilization language being placed into Louisiana law. A motion was ultimately made by Representative Joe Stagni to involuntarily defer the bill after requests for voluntary deferral were unsuccessful. The bill was deferred; however, a resolution requesting further study of rent stabilization issues did pass.

House Bill 580 – Hidden Fee Disclosure Legislation – Representative Mandi Landry
This bill addressed disclosure requirements related to consumer fees in real estate transactions.  The Bill was voluntary deferred.

House Bill 617 – Consumer Hidden Fees – Representative Mandi Landry
This bill also dealt with disclosure requirements relating to consumer fees and pricing transparency.

AAL worked alongside industry partners, including the realtor community, requesting amendments to exempt the apartment industry from the legislation due to the unique nature of residential lease agreements and existing disclosure requirements already in place.

There was significant pushback from consumer advocacy groups, and at this time the bill has been returned to the calendar.

House Bill 426 – Representative Tammy Phelps
This criminal blight bill would have significantly expanded liability for property conditions and potentially held onsite apartment team members and employees criminally responsible for circumstances outside of their control and authority.

While AAL absolutely supports efforts to address true blighted properties and hold bad actors accountable, this legislation went far beyond that intent and created serious unintended consequences for onsite personnel and management teams who do not control ownership decisions or capital expenditures.

After concerns were raised by AAL and others regarding the scope and impact of the legislation, the bill was voluntarily deferred by the author.

HB 81 by Representative Chad Boyer – This bill provides a clearer process for property owners to address tree branches, roots, bushes, or plants that extend onto neighboring property. While not a major multifamily issue, it may be useful in situations involving landscaping disputes between adjoining property owners.  HB81 did not complete the legislative process and will not become any type of new Louisiana Law

HB 750 by Representative Vincent Cox – This consumer protection measure requires businesses offering automatic renewal subscriptions to clearly disclose renewal terms and provide an easy method for cancellation. The bill is primarily directed at subscription-based consumer services and is not expected to have a significant impact on the multifamily housing industry.  HB750 passed through all chambers and is awaiting the governor’s signature.

HB 708 by Representative Lauren Ventrella – This local Baton Rouge measure authorizes concurrent jurisdiction between Justice of the Peace Courts and Baton Rouge City Court for eviction proceedings in East Baton Rouge Parish. Previously, many eviction cases were required to be filed in City Court. The legislation provides housing providers with an additional venue for filing evictions, which may offer a more efficient and cost-effective process. This bill was primarily advocated for by the Baton Rouge Apartment Association and passed during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Studies and Resolutions to Monitor

HR 217 by Representative Alonzo Knox – This resolution would have directed the Louisiana State Law Institute to conduct a comprehensive study on the implications of rent stabilization policies in Louisiana. The resolution was considered by the House but was ultimately rejected on a floor vote of 37-52 and did not pass. While the study will not move forward under this resolution, the Apartment Association of Louisiana remains committed to opposing rent control and rent stabilization policies that negatively impact housing supply and affordability.

HR 341 by Representative Terry Landry – This resolution directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to conduct a study of how eviction proceedings are handled in Louisiana’s Justice of the Peace Courts, including court structure, funding, procedures, and outcomes for both tenants and landlords. The resolution passed the House and requires the Law Institute to provide a report to the Legislature by February 1, 2027. The Apartment Association of Louisiana intends to actively participate in this study process to ensure the perspectives of rental housing providers are represented.

The Apartment Association of Louisiana will continue to monitor both rent stabilization proposals and Justice of the Peace court issues and will participate in stakeholder discussions and studies that may impact the rental housing industry in future legislative sessions.

AAL greatly appreciates the continued involvement, support, and engagement of our members throughout this legislative session. Your participation truly strengthens our collective voice and helps protect Louisiana’s rental housing industry.

We will continue monitoring all legislative and regulatory developments impacting the apartment industry and will keep members informed as we move forward.

Legal Disclaimer: This legislative recap is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Members should consult with their attorney before making any changes to company policies, procedures, lease documents, or business practices based on new legislation.