La. Stat. Ann. § R.S. 51:1402
Definitions
Operative Text
§1402. Definitions As used in this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings hereinafter ascribed to them: (1) "Consumer" means any person who uses, purchases, or leases goods or services. (2) "Consumer interest" means those acts, practices, or methods that affect the economic welfare of a consumer. (3) "Consumer transaction" means any transaction involving trade or commerce to a natural person, the subject of which transaction is primarily intended for personal, family, or household use. (4) "Documentary material" means the original or a copy of any book, record, memorandum, paper, communication, tabulation, map, chart, photograph, mechanical transcription, or other tangible document or recording, wherever situated. (5) "Elder person" means any person sixty-five years of age or older. (6) "Examination" of documentary material includes the inspection, study, or copying of any such material and the taking of testimony under oath or acknowledgment in respect to any such documentary material or copy thereof. (7) "Knowingly" means that the act or practice used was such that a reasonably prudent businessman knew or should have known that the act or practice was a violation of this Chapter. (8) "Person" means a natural person, corporation, trust, partnership, incorporated or unincorporated association, and any other legal entity. (9) "Person with a disability" means a person with a mental, physical, or developmental disability that substantially impairs that person's ability to provide adequately for his own care or protection. (10)(a) "Trade" or "commerce" means the advertising, offering for sale, sale, or distribution of any services and any property, corporeal or incorporeal, immovable or movable, and any other article, commodity, or thing of value wherever situated, and includes any trade or commerce directly or indirectly affecting the people of the state. (b) "Trade" or "commerce" shall include the advertising, offering for sale, sale, or distribution of an abortion-inducing drug in violation of R.S. 40:962.2. (c) "Trade" or "commerce" shall include the advertising or collecting fees as an adoption facilitator in violation of R.S. 46:1426.
La. R.S. § 51:1402 establishes the foundational vocabulary for Louisiana's consumer protection chapter by defining key terms such as "consumer," "consumer transaction," "trade or commerce," and "person." These definitions determine who and what falls within the chapter's scope, including protections extended to elder persons and persons with disabilities. The definitions also clarify that "trade or commerce" encompasses a broad range of economic activity affecting Louisiana residents, including certain specific regulated transactions involving abortion-inducing drugs and adoption facilitator fees.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Louisiana should be aware that La. R.S. § 51:1402 defines "consumer transaction" to include leasing arrangements primarily intended for personal, family, or household use, meaning residential rental activity generally falls within the chapter's reach. The definition of "knowingly" under this section sets a reasonably prudent businessperson standard, so operators are generally expected to be familiar with practices that could constitute violations. Landlords who serve elder persons or persons with disabilities as defined in § 51:1402 should note that these groups may receive heightened attention under the broader consumer protection framework built on these definitions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Louisiana benefit from La. R.S. § 51:1402 because the definitions it establishes—particularly "consumer," "consumer transaction," and "person"—determine who is protected under the state's consumer protection chapter, and residential leasing generally qualifies as a covered consumer transaction. The inclusion of "elder person" and "person with a disability" as defined categories signals that the law recognizes these groups within its protective framework. Tenants who believe a landlord's conduct may violate the broader consumer protection chapter built on these § 51:1402 definitions may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand what enforcement 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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