Louisiana Real Estate Disclosure Requirements
Louisiana requires sellers to disclose property conditions.
Is Louisiana a Disclosure State?
YESLouisiana requires mandatory property disclosure under the Louisiana Property Disclosure Document (R.S. 9:3198), enacted in 2003. Sellers of 1-4 unit residential properties must complete a standardized disclosure form. A 2024 law change requires sellers to provide ongoing updates if conditions change before closing.
Property Condition Disclosure
RequiredOfficial Form:
Louisiana Property Disclosure Document
Louisiana Revised Statute 9:3198 requires sellers of residential properties (1-4 units) to complete the Property Disclosure Document. The form covers structural components, roof condition, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, appliances, and known defects. Sellers must disclose issues they are aware of - the form uses "yes/no/unknown" format for each item.
Environmental Hazards
RequiredThe Louisiana disclosure form requires sellers to disclose environmental hazards including lead-based paint (federal requirement), asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks, and importantly, whether the property was ever used as a methamphetamine lab. Meth lab disclosure is a significant Louisiana requirement.
Specific Hazards Covered:
Natural Hazards
RequiredLouisiana requires disclosure of flood zone status, flood history, and whether flood insurance has been required. Given Louisiana's vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding, sellers must disclose any previous flood damage, whether the property is in a FEMA-designated flood zone, and any flood insurance claims filed.
Specific Hazards Covered:
Key Points for Louisiana
- 12024 LAW CHANGE: Sellers must now provide ongoing updates if conditions change before closing
- 2Disclosure required for 1-4 unit residential properties
- 3Must disclose if property was ever used as a meth lab
- 4Flood disclosure is critical due to Louisiana's hurricane exposure
- 5If disclosure is delivered late, buyer has 72 hours to terminate without penalty
- 6Form uses "yes/no/unknown" format - sellers cannot simply leave items blank
- 7Redhibition laws provide additional buyer protections for hidden defects
Timing Requirements
Disclosure must be provided before the buyer makes an offer or at least before the purchase agreement is signed. If delivered late (after contract signing), the buyer has 72 hours to terminate the contract without penalty.
Penalties for Non-Disclosure
Sellers who fail to disclose or provide false information may be liable for damages, including repair costs and potentially rescission of the sale. Louisiana's redhibition laws (Civil Code articles on hidden defects) provide additional remedies for buyers who discover undisclosed defects.
Exemptions from Disclosure
The following transaction types may be exempt from disclosure requirements:
Official Louisiana Resources
Last updated: January 27, 2025