La. Stat. Ann. § R.S. 40:580.1
Definitions
Operative Text
§580.1. Definitions The following terms, whenever used or referred to in this Part, have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context: (1) "Council" means the legislative body, commission council, board of aldermen, or other body charged with governing a municipality. (2) "Dwelling" means any building or structure, or part thereof, used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used, and includes any yard, garden, outhouses, and appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith. (3) "Owner" means the holder of the title or a mortgagee, whose interest is shown of record or who is in possession of a dwelling, or any person in control of a dwelling, or the agent of any such person. (4) "Parties in interest" means persons who have an interest of record in or who are in possession of a dwelling. (5) "Public authority" means any housing authority of a municipality or any officer who is in charge of any department or branch of the government of the municipality, parish, or state relating to health, fire, building regulations, or to other activities concerning dwellings in the municipality. (6) "Public officer" means the officer or officers who are authorized by ordinance adopted under this Part to exercise the powers prescribed in the ordinance and by this Part.
La. R.S. § 40:580.1 establishes the foundational vocabulary for Louisiana's housing standards law by defining key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'owner,' 'public officer,' and 'public authority.' These definitions determine who and what falls within the scope of the law, shaping how the rest of the statute is interpreted and applied. For example, 'owner' is defined broadly to include not just titleholders but also mortgagees, persons in control, and their agents.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under La. R.S. § 40:580.1, the definition of 'owner' is notably broad, encompassing titleholders, mortgagees, persons in control of a dwelling, and their agents. Property managers and operators who exercise control over a dwelling may therefore fall within the statute's reach even if they do not hold formal title. Compliant operators generally maintain clear records of ownership and management authority to avoid ambiguity about their responsibilities under the broader housing standards framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
La. R.S. § 40:580.1 defines 'parties in interest' to include persons who are in possession of a dwelling, which can encompass tenants with a recognized interest in the property. Understanding these definitions matters because they establish who is covered by the housing standards law and who may have standing to raise issues under it. Tenants who believe conditions in their dwelling implicate this statute may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant local 'public authority' — such as a municipal health or building department — as identified in this provision.
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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