La. Stat. Ann. § R.S. 40:536
Tenant commissioners
Operative Text
§536. Tenant commissioners Tenancy in a local housing authority development or receipt of other assistance from such authority shall not preclude the appointment of any person to serve as a commissioner. Notwithstanding any other Subpart of this Chapter, a resident or recipient of other assistance who is a commissioner may participate in any decision of the authority except a decision that specially affects his or her individual interests. In the event that the appointing authority intends that a commissioner's appointment is made within the intention that such commissioner represent the persons assisted by said local housing authority, then his or her certificate of appointment shall so state. In the event that any such commissioner so appointed and designated shall cease to reside in a development of, or otherwise cease to receive assistance from, the authority which such person serves as commissioner, then his or her term of office shall automatically terminate, and a successor shall be appointed to fill such vacancy in the manner provided in this Subpart.
Under La. R.S. § 40:536, being a tenant or assistance recipient in a local housing authority does not disqualify a person from serving as a commissioner on that authority's board. A resident commissioner may vote and participate in most authority decisions, but must step aside from any decision that specifically affects their own individual interests. If a commissioner's appointment is made with the intent that they represent assisted residents, that designation must appear in their certificate of appointment, and their term ends automatically if they stop residing in or receiving assistance from the authority they serve.
Plain English — not legal advice.
La. R.S. § 40:536 applies primarily to local housing authorities rather than private landlords, but property owners who work with or contract through such authorities should be aware that tenant commissioners hold legitimate governance roles on those boards. A compliant authority ensures that any commissioner designated as a resident representative has that status noted in their official certificate of appointment. Operators interacting with housing authority decisions should recognize that resident commissioners are permitted to participate in most votes, with the narrow exception of matters uniquely affecting their own personal interests.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
La. R.S. § 40:536 establishes that tenants and assistance recipients are eligible to serve as commissioners on local housing authority boards, giving residents a formal voice in governance. If you are a resident commissioner or are interested in that role, the provision confirms that your tenancy alone cannot be used to block your appointment or participation in board decisions. Tenants who believe a housing authority is improperly excluding a resident commissioner or ignoring the designation requirements may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or the housing authority's oversight body for guidance.
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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