La. Admin. Code § LAC 51:XV.101
Definitions
Operative Text
A. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, the following words and terms used in this Part of the sanitary code and all other Parts which are adopted or may be adopted are defined for the purpose thereof as follows. Boarding House―a building or group of buildings where persons are supplied with, and charged for, sleeping accommodations and meals for fixed periods of time. Hotel―a building where transient guests are usually received without stipulated engagement as to the duration of their stay and are supplied with, and charged for, lodging or meals or both, and such services and attention as are necessarily incident to the use of such places as a temporary abode. This definition includes motels. Lodging House―a building or group of buildings where persons are supplied with, and charged for, sleeping accommodations but not meals. Proprietor―a person as defined in Part I, who owns or operates a hotel, lodging house or boarding house.
Louisiana Administrative Code § LAC 51:XV.101 establishes the official definitions for key terms used throughout the state's sanitary code as it applies to temporary and short-term lodging facilities. The provision distinguishes between three types of establishments: boarding houses (which provide both sleeping accommodations and meals for fixed periods), hotels and motels (which serve transient guests on a flexible basis with lodging and/or meals), and lodging houses (which provide sleeping accommodations only, without meals). A 'proprietor' is defined as the person who owns or operates any of these three types of facilities.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of hotels, motels, boarding houses, or lodging houses in Louisiana should be aware that § LAC 51:XV.101 establishes the definitional framework that determines which sanitary code requirements apply to their property. The type of establishment a property qualifies as under these definitions—based on whether meals are served, whether stays are transient or fixed, and how guests are accommodated—determines the regulatory obligations that follow throughout the sanitary code. Compliant operators generally ensure their business practices and offerings align with the definition under which they are classified, since misclassification could affect which standards apply.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For individuals staying in hotels, motels, boarding houses, or lodging houses in Louisiana, § LAC 51:XV.101 provides the foundational definitions that shape what protections and standards apply to their accommodations under the state sanitary code. Understanding which category of establishment applies to a given living situation can be relevant when evaluating whether a facility is meeting its regulatory obligations. Those who believe a facility is not complying with applicable sanitary standards may consider contacting the Louisiana Department of Health or a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.