When it comes to protecting your interests as a tenant, the most important thing you do is to record your New Orleans lease.

What does that mean?

It means that you are protected from eviction in the event that your landlord decides to sell the property while your lease is in effect. Of course, this is assuming that you’re in compliance with all of the other terms of your lease, like paying rent on time.

Recording your lease with the City of New Orleans puts any potential buyer on notice that you have an interest in the property for the duration of your lease and obligates them to abide by the remaining term. For example, if you moved into a place 3 months ago and your landlord sells, the new owner would have to honor the remainder of your lease.

What if you don’t record the lease?

You’re at the mercy of future owners, who are not obligated to honor your lease because they are not a party to the contract (lease).

How to record your New Orleans lease

In New Orleans, leases are recorded at the Land Records Division of the Clerk’s Office. Here’s the rub – it ain’t cheap, y’all. Depending on the number of pages in your lease, the recording cost will be $100-$200. But that’s still cheaper than having to come up with a deposit and possibly first month’s rent on a new place if yours is sold.

Where to record your New Orleans lease

New Orleans Land Records Division
1340 Poydras Street, 4th Floor
Open Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm