What is the maximum period a lease can be in Louisiana without needing to be in writing?

In Louisiana, a lease can be oral (not in writing) for a maximum period of 1 year. This allowance is specified by the Louisiana Civil Code, which indicates that leases intended to last longer than a year must be in writing to be enforceable. This is significant because it aims to protect both landlords and tenants by reducing disputes about the terms of the lease.

Therefore, if a lease term exceeds one year, it becomes necessary for that lease to be formalized in writing to ensure both parties are aware of their rights and obligations, and to provide a clear record of the agreement. Any lease that is intended to last beyond this period would fail to meet the enforceability standards of Louisiana law if it is not documented in writing. This creates a structured legal framework that emphasizes the importance of clear agreements in longer-term property relationships.