Louisiana 3-Day Eviction Notice Overview
Louisiana Does Not Use 3-Day Notices
Louisiana requires a 5 Days notice under La. C.C. Art. 2686. A 3-day notice is not valid in Louisiana.
Louisiana is the only U.S. state based on civil law rather than common law. Its landlord-tenant law is found in Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668 through 2729 and the Code of Civil Procedure Articles 4701 through 4735. Louisiana does not have a specific statutory notice period like most states; instead, the lease terms and the Civil Code govern the process. In practice, a 5-day notice is standard for non-payment. Louisiana courts are divided into City Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts, and District Courts.
5 Days
Notice period
$75-$150
Filing fee
La.
Governing law
2-5 Wks
Court process
Louisiana's Actual Notice Period
Louisiana requires a 5 days notice under La. C.C. Art. 2686. Using the wrong notice period is one of the most common grounds for dismissal in Justice of the Peace/City Court.
5 Days Notice (La. C.C. Art. 2686)
The landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant the required time to pay rent or vacate. The notice must state the exact amount of past-due rent. If the tenant pays in full within the notice period, the notice is void and the tenancy continues.
Louisiana Legal Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing under Louisiana law
- Rent Amount: State the exact dollar amount of past-due rent owed
- Notice Period: Allow 5 days for the tenant to pay or vacate
- Property Address: Include the complete rental property address
- Tenant Names: Include all tenants named on the lease agreement
- Proper Service: Use an approved service method under Louisiana law
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Louisiana
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Use a witness or process server to document delivery
Posting and Mailing
If personal delivery fails, post the notice on the door and mail a copy by certified or first-class mail
Wait the Full Notice Period
Allow the full 5 days to pass. The day of service does not count as day one
File in Justice of the Peace/City Court
After the notice period expires without payment, file the eviction complaint with proof of service
Louisiana Eviction Timeline
After the notice period expires, the landlord files in Justice of the Peace/City Court. The court issues a summons and schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 21 days. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession, and the sheriff or constable executes the writ.
Total timeline from initial notice to physical removal is typically 2-5 wks for uncontested cases. Contested cases with defenses, counterclaims, or appeals can add several weeks to the process.
Louisiana Court Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $75-$150 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,500 |
Sample Louisiana Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Louisiana-compliant notice under La. C.C. Art. 2686.
5 DAYS NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF LOUISIANA
Pursuant to La. C.C. Art. 2686
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Tenant Full Name]
PREMISES:
Address: [Address, City, LA ZIP]
RENT DUE:
$[Amount] for [Period]
LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with La. C.C. Art. 2686 requiring a 5 Days notice period.