The present invention relates to a sliding door latch having a locked and unlocked position for a sliding door having an open and closed position. The sliding door latch includes a handle assembly with a handle and a locking mechanism. The handle is a first position, wherein the locking mechanism is engaged and the sliding door latch is locked, to a second position, wherein the locking mechanism is disengaged and the sliding door latch is unlocked The locking mechanism may prevent the handle from moving from the second position to the first position when the sliding door is open. The handle is pivotable between the first position and the second position only when the door is closed. Resistance forces may prevent the handle from moving from the second position to the first position when the sliding door is closed without an application of force by a user.