La. Civ. Code § Art. 2714
Expropriation; loss or destruction
Operative Text
Art. 2714. Expropriation; loss or destruction If the leased thing is lost or totally destroyed, without the fault of either party, or if it is expropriated, the lease terminates and neither party owes damages to the other.
Louisiana Civil Code art. § Art. 2714 establishes that a lease automatically ends when the leased property is completely lost, totally destroyed through no fault of either the landlord or tenant, or taken by government expropriation. Because neither party caused the loss, the law treats the termination as a no-fault event, meaning neither side is entitled to compensation or damages from the other. The rule effectively releases both parties from their remaining lease obligations when the leased thing no longer exists or is no longer available.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under La. Civ. Code art. § Art. 2714, property owners and managers should understand that a total loss, complete destruction, or expropriation of a leased property ends the tenancy by operation of law, without any further action required. Compliant operators generally document the cause and extent of the loss or destruction and communicate clearly with tenants about the termination, while refraining from seeking rent or damages for the remaining lease term. Because the rule applies only when neither party is at fault, operators typically maintain records that establish the cause of any loss or destruction.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
La. Civ. Code art. § Art. 2714 provides tenants with a clear protection: if the rental property is completely destroyed, totally lost, or taken through government expropriation without fault on either side, the lease ends and the landlord cannot pursue the tenant for future rent or damages. Tenants in this situation generally have no further rent obligation for the period after the loss or expropriation occurred. Those with questions about whether a specific event qualifies as a total loss or expropriation under this article may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service for general information.
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 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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