Louisiana prompt payment

Who and what this applies to

Payment for immovable-property improvements under La. R.S. 9:2784, subject to its specified mineral, energy and well/mine exclusions. Public-entity obligations remain governed by La. R.S. 38:2191.

Thresholds and scope

Payment due dates depend on receipt of the written request, financing conditions and the contract.

The rules

• For properly performed work or qualifying stored/fabricated materials, the owner generally pays an amount payable under the contract within 35 days after receiving a written request, subject to lawful withholding. If the owner previously obtained a project loan and timely and properly requested disbursement, the due date is the later of 35 days after the request or five days after receipt of loan proceeds. Source
• Contractors and subcontractors pass through the portion attributable to properly performed work and qualifying materials within seven days after receipt. A good-faith dispute does not excuse payment of the undisputed amount. Source
• Overdue amounts incur a 1.5% monthly penalty as provided in subsection D. Waiver is null, but a written single-family-residence contract may allow payment up to 61 days after receipt of the payment request. Source
• Public payments are due under the contract. Without reasonable cause, failure to pay a progress request within 45 days of a certified request triggers the statutory interest and attorney-fee remedy; final-payment relief follows formal final acceptance and 45 days after receipt of a clear lien certificate. These provisions cannot be waived. Source

Primary sources

• La. R.S. 9:2784(A), (G)
• La. R.S. 9:2784(B)-(C)
• La. R.S. 9:2784(D)-(F)
• La. R.S. 38:2191(A)-(C)

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

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