La. Stat. Ann. § R.S. 40:580.3
Standards for determination of unfitness for human habitation
Operative Text
§580.3. Standards for determination of unfitness for human habitation An ordinance adopted by a municipality under this Part shall provide that the public officer may determine that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation if he finds that conditions exist therein which are dangerous or injurious to the health, safety, or morals of the persons using it for human habitation or of the public. These conditions may include the following: defects increasing the hazards of fire, accident or other calamities; lack of adequate ventilation, light, or sanitary facilities; dilapidation; disrepair; structural defects; uncleanliness. The ordinance may provide additional standards to guide the public officer or his agents in determining the fitness of a dwelling for human habitation.
Under La. R.S. § 40:580.3, Louisiana municipalities are authorized to adopt ordinances empowering a designated public officer to declare a dwelling unfit for human habitation. That determination can be based on conditions that pose dangers to health, safety, or morals, including fire hazards, inadequate ventilation or light, lack of sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects, or uncleanliness. Local ordinances may also establish additional standards beyond those listed in the statute.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Louisiana municipalities should be aware that La. R.S. § 40:580.3 sets a baseline for what local ordinances may define as grounds for an unfit-for-habitation finding. Compliant operators generally maintain dwellings free of structural defects, fire hazards, and sanitation deficiencies, and stay current with any additional standards their municipality has adopted beyond the state baseline. Keeping records of routine inspections and repairs can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with local housing codes enacted 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. § 40:580.3 establishes the framework under which a local public officer can formally declare a dwelling unfit for human habitation based on conditions such as fire hazards, poor ventilation, lack of sanitary facilities, or structural disrepair. Tenants who believe their dwelling meets these criteria may have grounds to file a complaint with their local municipal housing or code enforcement office, which administers ordinances adopted under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations in Louisiana can help residents understand what local standards apply and what enforcement or remedial paths may be available.
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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