La. Stat. Ann. § R.S. 21:61
Notice required for use of camera in short-term rental structures
Operative Text
§61. Notice required for use of camera in short-term rental structures A. For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply: (1) "Camera" means a camcorder, motion picture camera, photographic camera of any type, or other equipment that is concealed or disguised to secretly or surreptitiously videotape, film, photograph, record, or view a person by electronic means. (2) "Common area" means all areas of the short-term rental structure, excluding any bedrooms or bathrooms. (3) "Short-term rental structure" means a building which may have previously been used as a one- or two-family dwelling but is rented from the owner of the structure by an unknown number of persons for a period of time not to exceed twenty-nine days. B.(1) Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, an owner or lessor of a short-term rental structure shall not install or use a camera on the premises of a short-term rental structure. (2) The owner or lessor of a short-term rental structure may install or use a camera only in the common areas of the structure if he first conspicuously posts a sign on the premises of the short-term rental structure with the following statement: "NOTICE ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE PREMISES AND ALL ACTIVITIES IN COMMON AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO BEING RECORDED BY VIDEO." C. An owner or lessor of a short-term rental structure shall not use any audio, video, or photographic footage obtained pursuant to this Chapter for any commercial or exploitative purpose nor shall he make the footage available to members of the public. D. Any guest of a short-term rental structure who is documented on any audio, video, or photographic footage obtained in violation of this Chapter shall have a civil cause of action against an owner or lessor of a short-term rental structure who obtained, used, or made available the footage in violation of this Chapter, and is entitled to recover from any such owner or lessor all of the following: (1) Actual damages. (2) A reasonable attorney fee and other litigation cost reasonably incurred. (3) Punitive damages.
Under La. R.S. § 21:61, owners and lessors of short-term rental structures in Louisiana face strict limits on camera use. Cameras are entirely prohibited in bedrooms and bathrooms, and may only be placed in common areas if a conspicuous notice sign is posted on the premises. Footage obtained through these structures may not be used for commercial purposes or shared with the public, and guests recorded in violation of the law may pursue civil remedies including actual damages, attorney fees, and punitive damages.
Plain English — not legal advice.
La. R.S. § 21:61 sets clear operational requirements for short-term rental operators who wish to use any surveillance equipment. Compliant operators generally refrain from placing cameras in any bedroom or bathroom, restrict camera use to common areas only, and post the statutorily required notice sign in a conspicuous location before any recording begins. Operators also ensure that any footage collected is never used for commercial gain or distributed to the public, as violations expose them to civil liability including punitive damages.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
La. R.S. § 21:61 gives guests of short-term rental structures specific protections against unauthorized surveillance. If a camera is found in a bedroom or bathroom, or if no required notice sign was posted before recording in a common area, a guest who was recorded may have a civil cause of action against the owner or lessor. Guests who believe their rights under this provision have been violated may wish to document the circumstances, consult a tenant-rights organization, or seek independent legal counsel to understand available remedies.
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.
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