La. Stat. Ann. § R.S. 40:580.2
Slum conditions; action by municipality
Operative Text
§580.2. Slum conditions; action by municipality Whenever any municipality finds that there exists within it dwellings which are unfit for human habitation due to dilapidation; defects increasing the hazards of fires, accidents, or other calamities; lack of ventilation, light, or sanitary facilities, or other conditions rendering the dwellings unsafe and unsanitary and dangerous or detrimental to health, safety, or morals, or that there are dwellings therein which are otherwise inimical to the welfare of its residents, it may exercise its police powers to remedy or eliminate those conditions in the manner provided in this Part.
Under La. R.S. § 40:580.2, Louisiana municipalities are granted authority to act against residential dwellings that are deemed unfit for human habitation. Qualifying conditions include physical deterioration, fire or accident hazards, inadequate ventilation or sanitation, and other circumstances that threaten health, safety, or morals. When such conditions are found, the municipality may invoke its police powers to remedy or eliminate them as outlined in the relevant statutory framework.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners operating in Louisiana municipalities should be aware that La. R.S. § 40:580.2 empowers local governments to intervene when dwellings fall into disrepair or pose hazards to occupants. Compliant operators generally maintain adequate ventilation, lighting, and sanitary systems, and address structural deficiencies before they escalate into conditions that could trigger municipal action. Keeping properties in good repair and responding promptly to maintenance issues are hallmarks of operations that remain in good standing under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
La. R.S. § 40:580.2 recognizes that tenants have an interest in living in dwellings that are safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation, and it authorizes municipalities to step in when those standards are not met. Tenants who believe their dwelling suffers from serious deficiencies—such as fire hazards, lack of ventilation, or unsanitary conditions—may consider reporting those conditions to their local municipal housing or code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations can also provide information about available remedies and how to document housing conditions effectively.
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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