Why are Home Inspections so Important?

The 2026 Regular Legislative Session has officially adjourned, and Louisiana REALTORS® closes the session with a strong record of legislative wins, defensive victories and meaningful progress on issues that directly impact property owners, homebuyers, housing providers and real estate professionals across Louisiana. This session touched nearly every major pressure point in the real estate market: insurance affordability, transaction transparency, appraisal certainty, leasing law, property taxes, blight redevelopment, litigation costs, consumer protection and private property rights. Louisiana REALTORS® successfully advanced several major policy priorities this session, including residential wholesaling reform, vacant residential land disclosure, appraisal certainty, security deposit reform, insurance mitigation funding and redevelopment tools for blighted property. At the same time, the association helped stop or reshape proposals that would have harmed housing supply, increased practitioners' liability, or created uncertainty for property owners and housing providers. Major Wins for You and Real Estate Residential Wholesaling Reform The signature victory of the session was HB 468 by Rep. Troy Hebert , Louisiana REALTORS®’ residential wholesaling reform bill. For years, residential wholesaling operated in a gray area of Louisiana law. HB 468 creates a clear statutory framework for residential wholesaling, strengthens consumer protection, increases transparency, and gives the Louisiana Real Estate Commission meaningful enforcement authority. The bill’s conference report passed unanimously in both chambers, with votes of 94-0 in the House and 35-0 in the Senate. This is a major structural reform for Louisiana real estate law. This bill will be state law effective August 1, 2026. Please note that the law does not affect any wholesale contracts between now and the effective date. Vacant Residential Land Disclosure HB 1166, by Rep. Kim Carver, passed the Legislature and has been sent to the Governor for his signature. The bill addresses disclosure gaps in vacant residential land transactions where buyers may discover late-stage issues involving access, utilities, drainage, flood risk, prior use or other material facts. HB 1166 creates a clearer process for buyers, sellers and real estate practitioners, and should help reduce failed transactions, disputes and closing-table surprises. As new industry forms and disclosures are developed, Louisiana REALTORS® will monitor the process closely and work to ensure the final requirements are practical, clear and consistent with sound industry practice. The Louisiana Real Estate Commission will complete the forms and disclosure process, with final implementation expected to be legally required for agents beginning January 1, 2027. Appraisal Liability Protections Louisiana REALTORS® secured two important appraisal-related wins. HB 1027 also by Rep. Troy Hebert , signed as Act No. 187 , clarifies that appraisers should not be held liable for compliance with obligations that belong to other parties in the transaction. HB 300 by Rep. Neil Riser , signed as Act No. 149 , addresses appraisal thresholds for bank-owned property. Together, these measures support greater transaction certainty and fairness in the appraisal process. The pair of these measures will take effect as law on August 1, 2026. Housing & Market Stability Security Deposit Reform HB 292, by Rep. Delisha Boyd and signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 63 , creates a more workable process for addressing damage discovered at the end of a lease and provides greater flexibility through written agreements regarding security deposit timelines. The measure offers practical clarity for housing providers, tenants and property managers when property damage is identified after move-out, allowing additional time to assess damage, obtain repair estimates and document costs before final security deposit accounting is completed. By creating a clearer statutory framework, the law helps reduce disputes and ensures that both landlords and tenants have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities. Property managers can mark August 1, 2026, on their calendars, as that is the effective date for this legislation. Protections for Victims & Landlords HB 297, by Rep. Mandie Landry and signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 64 , expands Louisiana's early lease-termination protections to include victims of stalking and cyberstalking. The law recognizes that personal safety may require a tenant to leave a residence before the end of a lease term. To exercise these protections, a tenant must provide documentation from a qualified third party or other authorized evidence demonstrating that they are a victim of stalking or cyberstalking and that continued occupancy would present a safety concern. The measure also clarifies and expands who may serve as a qualified third party for purposes of supporting a tenant's request. These changes will take effect into law on August 1, 2026. Insurance Affordability and Mitigation Insurance affordability remained one of the most significant issues facing Louisiana homeowners and the real estate market. HB 1187 by Rep. Paul Sawyer , signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 416 , transfers an additional $50 million in Katrina bond assessment funds to the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Combined with other insurance-related funding, the program reaches approximately $80 million for the year. The Fortify Homes Program remains one of Louisiana’s most direct tools for reducing property risk, strengthening homes, improving market stability, and placing downward pressure on insurance costs over time. Several additional insurance measures did not reach final passage, including legislation on fortified roof endorsements, nonrenewal protections for homeowners who mitigate risk, and a pre-suit review process for residential property insurance disputes. These remain important long-term priorities. This became law and took effect upon the Governor’s signature. Blight, Redevelopment, and Property Taxes Louisiana REALTORS® supported policies this session aimed at returning neglected property to productive use and strengthening property-tax fairness. HB 214 by Rep. Chance Henry , now Act No. 272 with Governor Landry’s signature, will appear on the ballot as a constitutional amendment authorizing an optional property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict property. HB 217, also by Rep. Chance Henry , is the enabling legislation for HB 214 and has received the Governor’s signature, becoming Act No. 422. Together, these measures would give local governments another tool to encourage private investment, neighborhood revitalization, and redevelopment. SB 180 , now Act No. 39 , will also appear on the ballot. The measure allows the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability to transfer an expanded property tax exemption. This is both a property-tax fairness measure and a homeownership stability measure for Louisiana veterans’ families. If passed in the fall election, the measures would take effect on January 1, 2027, as well as SB 180. Defensive Victories Some of the most important wins in this session came from stopping harmful legislation before it became law. Rent Stabilization Stopped Twice HB 472 by Rep. Alonzo Knox , the rent price control bill, was stopped after being involuntarily deferred. Louisiana REALTORS® opposed the bill and provided testimony in committee because rent-control policies can discourage investment, reduce housing supply, create uncertainty for housing providers and ultimately worsen affordability challenges. Knox brought the bill to the House Committee on Municipal, Local and Parochial Affairs twice due to the opposing testimony of our organization and opposition from the Home Builders Association and the Louisiana Apartment Association. Hidden Fees Bill Reshaped Yet Still Thwarted HB 617 by Rep. Mandie Landry , the hidden fees bill, raised concerns because it could have imposed liability on real estate professionals for fees they do not control, including those set by lenders, title companies, insurers, government entities and other third parties. Louisiana REALTORS® successfully negotiated a House-side amendment exempting real estate transactions from the bill’s scope. The bill later died in the Senate Commerce Committee. It is worth noting that the author agreed to include us in an amendment by Rep. Troy Hebert from the House floor, exempting real estate transactions. Automatic Renewal Bill Monitored HB 750, by Rep. Vincent Cox, addressing automatic renewal provisions, was closely monitored by Louisiana REALTORS® to ensure the legislation did not unintentionally apply to residential or commercial leases, property management agreements, association operations, nonprofit activities or standard real estate practices. Those concerns were successfully addressed through a Louisiana REALTORS® amendment offered by Senator Pressly during Senate consideration. When the bill returned to the House, Rep. Cox accepted the amendment and supported concurrence, preserving the bill's consumer protection goals while ensuring Louisiana's real estate industry, housing providers, associations and nonprofits were not subjected to unintended regulatory burdens . Missed Opportunities Two broader legal reform measures passed the House but stalled in the Senate Judiciary A Committee. HB 437, by Rep. Michael Melerine, addressing expert witness fees, and HB 1089, by Rep. Dennis Bamburg, establishing CARE Accounts, both reflected broader efforts to reduce litigation costs, improve Louisiana’s legal climate, and address cost drivers affecting insurance affordability and business competitiveness. Their failure to reach final passage was a missed opportunity, but the issues remain central to Louisiana’s long-term affordability conversation. Louisiana REALTORS® will continue to monitor these proposals and hope to see similar reforms return next session with a different outcome. What Comes Next The end of the session does not end the work. Louisiana REALTORS® will now turn to implementation, member education, ballot engagement and preparation for the next legislative cycle by directly engaging you, the driving force behind all of our efforts. The issues that shaped this session — housing affordability, insurance availability, redevelopment, legal costs, and private property rights — are not going away. Neither are we. Louisiana REALTORS® remain committed to serving as a consistent, credible and effective voice for property owners, homebuyers, housing providers and real estate professionals across Louisiana. Thank You As the Legislature adjourns, Louisiana REALTORS® expresses sincere appreciation to the leadership, members, public officials and advocacy partners who helped make this a productive and successful session for the real estate industry and property owners across Louisiana. We are especially grateful to Louisiana REALTORS® President Ginger Maulden, President-Elect David Favret, Treasurer Misty Ingersoll, Legislative Committee Director Keary Coffin, Outside General Counsel Eric Landry, LARPAC Chairwoman Marsha McGraw-Barbera, the Louisiana Real Estate Commission Commissioners and Executive Team, and the members of the Louisiana REALTORS® Legislative Committee for their leadership, guidance, resources and engagement throughout the session. We also extend a special thank you to those who attended this session’s REALTOR® Day and helped strengthen our presence at the Capitol. Your participation amplified our ability to advocate with one united voice when it mattered most. We further extend our appreciation to the legislators and partners who worked alongside us this session, including Rep. Troy Hebert, Rep. Kim Carver, House Commerce Chairman Daryl Deshotel, Rep. Delisha Boyd, Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, Rep. John Wyble, Sen. Beth Mizell, Sen. Greg Miller, Speaker Phillip DeVillier, Senate President Cameron Henry and Governor Jeff Landry for their leadership, accessibility and commitment to addressing issues impacting housing, property rights, insurance affordability, redevelopment and Louisiana’s economic future. Strong policy outcomes are only possible through collaboration, professionalism and sustained engagement. Louisiana REALTORS® remains grateful for the relationships and partnerships that helped move meaningful legislation across the finish line this year. Please view the session wrap-up tracking report provided by our lobbying team over at Harris, DeVille and Associates.

Article provided through SPOT Pet Insurance partnership Caring for multiple pets can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also mean more vet visits, more surprise illnesses or injuries, and more financial planning. Spot Pet Insurance helps make protecting your entire household easier and more affordable. With Spot, pet parents get a 10% multi-pet discount on every additional pet after the first, plus the ability to customize coverage for each pet based on their individual needs. And to make life even simpler, all policies can be managed under one Spot account in the member center or app. Whether you have two energetic dogs, a pair of curious kittens, or a full house with pets of different ages and health needs, Spot gives pet parents an easy way to stay organized and confident about their pets’ care. Why Multi-Pet Insurance Matters for Pet Parents The Rising Cost of Veterinary Care for Multiple Pets If one pet has ever needed emergency care, you know how quickly veterinary bills can add up. Now imagine the possibility of two pets needing treatment in the same year—or even the same month. Multi-pet households can face higher odds of unexpected vet visits making coverage even more important. Pet insurance helps offset the cost of covered veterinary care, giving pet parents financial support when things don’t go as planned. Peace of Mind for Every Pet in Your Home Each pet has unique needs. Some may be seniors who require ongoing care, while others may be young, active, and prone to accidents. Spot allows every pet to have a plan tailored to them, helping give pet parents peace of mind no matter what comes up. Spot’s 10% Multi-Pet Discount: Savings That Add Up How Spot’s Multi-Pet Discount Works Spot offers a 10% discount on every additional pet after the first. That means the more pets you have, the more you can save—without sacrificing coverage. Whether you’re protecting two pets or five, Spot helps keep costs manageable. An Affordable Way to Protect Your Whole Pack Cats, dogs, or a mix of both—all pets qualify for the multi-pet discount. For households managing multiple personalities, energy levels, and health needs, these savings can make a big difference in long-term budgeting. Customizable Coverage for Every Pet’s Unique Needs Accident-Only and Accident & Illness Plans Accident-Only coverage for pets who simply need protection from mishaps Accident & Illness coverage for pets who could benefit from more extensive support This gives you flexibility, especially if one pet has existing health concerns while another is relatively low-risk. Tailor Each Plan with Adjustable Options Every Spot plan can be personalized with: Annual limit Annual deductible Reimbursement rate Optional preventive care add-ons This makes it easy to create a plan that helps fit each pet’s lifestyle—and your budget. Why Customizable Coverage Matters for Multi-Pet Households Different pets have different needs: Senior pets may need broader illness coverage Young pets might benefit more from accident-focused protection Active pets may need higher limits Indoor pets may require less coverage With Spot, every pet gets the coverage they need. Nothing more, nothing less. One Account, All Your Pets: Simple Multi-Pet Management Manage All Plans Under One Spot Account Instead of juggling multiple logins or losing track of policy documents, Spot lets pet parents manage every pet’s plan from a single account. You can: View coverage details Submit claims for each pet Track reimbursements Access policy documents anytime Everything is organized and easy to find. The Spot Pet Insurance App Makes It Even Easier The app puts all your pets’ information at your fingertips. In just a few taps, you can: File a claim for any of your pets Upload bills and photos Review claim updates Access plan summaries It’s simple, fast, and convenient—especially for households with more than one pet. No Network Restrictions for Any Pet Spot gives every pet the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada. That includes primary vets, emergency clinics, and specialists. This is especially convenient if: You have a preferred clinic You travel frequently with your pets No networks. No referrals. Just easy access to care. Frequently Asked Questions About Multi-Pet Insurance Do I need separate policies for each pet? Yes. Each pet gets their own plan, so coverage can be personalized for their needs. But you can manage all of your pets’ plans conveniently under one Spot account. How does the multi-pet discount work? Spot automatically applies a 10% discount to every additional pet after the first. This makes it more affordable to protect all your pets. Can I choose different coverage options for each pet? Yes. Spot allows you to choose either an accident-only or an accident and illness plan for each pet. You can adjust annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates individually. Can I file claims for all my pets in the same app or account? You can! All your pets’ plans are available within one account in the Spot member center or mobile app, making claim filing simple and organized. Does Spot have any network restrictions? No. You can visit any licensed veterinarian, emergency clinic, or specialist in the U.S. or Canada. Key Takeaway Spot Pet Insurance takes the stress out of managing multiple pets by offering customized plans, a 10% multi-pet discount, and easy account management. Every pet gets the coverage that fits them best, while pet parents enjoy a simple, organized way to handle all their plans in one place. Affordable, flexible, and convenient—Spot helps you protect your entire household with confidence. Paula Gil, Author If you need a story or someone to talk to your cat like a person, I’m your person. With 3 cats, 1 dog, and a lifetime of pets, I write from experience, usually with a cat on my keyboard and a dog in my lap.