La. Stat. Ann. § R.S. 51:1418
Jurisdiction
Operative Text
§1418. Jurisdiction A. A consumer transaction or modification of a consumer transaction is made in this state when: (1) a writing signed by the consumer and evidencing the obligation is received by the merchant in this state, or when (2) the merchant negotiates in this state personally or by mail, telephone or otherwise, for a transaction with a consumer consummated outside the state. B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, this Act applies if the consumer is a resident of this state at the time of the consumer transaction and either of the conditions specified in Subsection A of this section are present. C. The following terms of a writing executed by a consumer are invalid with respect to consumer transactions or modifications thereof: (1) that the law of another state will apply; (2) that the consumer consents to the jurisdiction of another state; or (3) any term that fixes venue.
La. R.S. § 51:1418 establishes when Louisiana consumer-protection law applies to a transaction and where disputes over it may be heard. A transaction is treated as occurring in Louisiana when the merchant receives a signed consumer agreement here, or when the merchant negotiates with a Louisiana resident even if the deal closes elsewhere. Contractual terms that try to apply another state's law, submit the consumer to another state's courts, or fix venue outside Louisiana are void under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who enter into consumer transactions with Louisiana residents should be aware that La. R.S. § 51:1418 can bring those dealings under Louisiana law regardless of where the transaction is formally completed. Compliant operators generally avoid including choice-of-law, consent-to-jurisdiction, or venue-fixing clauses in consumer-facing agreements, since such terms are rendered invalid by this provision. Reviewing lease addenda and ancillary consumer agreements with this statute in mind is a common practice among operators doing business with Louisiana residents.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
La. R.S. § 51:1418 is designed to protect Louisiana residents by ensuring that consumer transactions connected to this state are governed by Louisiana law, even if a contract says otherwise. If a landlord or merchant attempts to enforce a clause requiring disputes to be resolved under another state's law or in another state's courts, a tenant may be able to raise the invalidity of that clause under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices familiar with Louisiana consumer law can help residents understand how this jurisdictional protection may apply to their situation.
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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