The landlord’s duties to the tenant are to make necessary repairs, maintain the rental in a condition suitable for the intended purpose (i.e., habitation), and warrant the tenant’s peaceful possession.1  In some circumstances, a landlord’s failure to comply with these legal duties presents a defense to eviction and possibly a separate suit for damages.

• 1La. C.C. arts. 2682, 2684–2685, 2691–2702.

To avoid breaching the lease, a tenant must pay the rent in the amount and on the schedule agreed to in the lease, use the rental in accordance with the intended purpose (i.e., habitation), and return the unit in the same condition as at the start of the lease minus normal wear and tear.1

• 1La. C.C. arts. 2683, 2686–2690, 2703–2704.