La. Admin. Code § LAC 51:XV.131
Illumination Requirements
Operative Text
A. All rooms shall be provided with adequate illumination to provide: 1. minimum of 10 foot-candles in stairways and halls at an elevation 30 inches above the floor; and 2. a minimum of 30 foot-candles over the areas used for sleeping, reading, cooking and bathing.
Louisiana Administrative Code § LAC 51:XV.131 establishes minimum lighting standards for residential spaces. Stairways and hallways must receive at least 10 foot-candles of illumination measured 30 inches above the floor, while areas used for sleeping, reading, cooking, and bathing must receive at least 30 foot-candles. These thresholds define what counts as 'adequate illumination' under the regulation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under LAC § LAC 51:XV.131, compliant property operators ensure that all hallways and stairwells are equipped with lighting fixtures capable of delivering at least 10 foot-candles at the 30-inch height mark. For living areas—including bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms—operators typically verify that installed lighting meets or exceeds the 30 foot-candle threshold. Routine inspections of bulb wattage, fixture placement, and fixture condition help operators maintain ongoing compliance with these illumination standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
LAC § LAC 51:XV.131 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if their unit's hallways, stairwells, sleeping areas, kitchens, or bathrooms are not adequately lit to the specified foot-candle levels. Tenants who believe their housing falls short of these standards may document the conditions and report them to the relevant local or state housing inspection authority. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under Louisiana law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 20, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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