Louisiana Eviction Notice Overview
Louisiana does not use a 7-day eviction notice for non-payment of rent. Under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 4701, landlords must give a 5-day noticeto vacate before filing an eviction action. Louisiana's eviction process is unique because it follows the state's civil law tradition (derived from French law rather than English common law), which affects terminology and procedures.
Louisiana eviction cases are filed in Justice of the Peace Court (for rural parishes) or City Court (for urban areas). In Orleans Parish (New Orleans), evictions are heard in First City Court. Louisiana has 64 parishes (equivalent to counties in other states). The process is called a 'rule to show cause' or eviction proceeding under La. CCP Art. 4701-4735. Louisiana requires the notice to be in writing and specifies particular methods of service.
5 Days
Notice period
$50 - $150
Filing fee
LA Code
Governing law
Justice of Peace/City
Court level
Why Louisiana Uses 5 Days, Not 7
Important: Louisiana Uses a 5-Day Notice, Not 7
Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 4701 requires a 5-day notice to vacate for non-payment of rent. For lease violations, the notice period may vary based on the lease terms and the nature of the violation. Using a 7-day notice would not match the standard Louisiana requirement.
Louisiana Notice Periods at a Glance
- 5-Day Notice — Non-Payment (La. CCP 4701): Tenant has 5 days to pay or vacate after written notice
- 5-Day Notice — Lease Violations: Tenant has 5 days to cure or vacate for material breaches
- 10-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (La. CC 2728): Either party may terminate with 10 days notice before the end of the rental period
- Immediate — Criminal Activity: For illegal drug activity, landlord may file immediately
Louisiana Notice Requirements
Louisiana courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 5 days for non-payment as required by Louisiana law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Louisiana
Louisiana law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant in person. Preferred by Louisiana courts. Bring a witness for documentation.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt. Louisiana courts accept this as valid service.
Posting on Premises
Post conspicuously on the property and mail a copy if personal service fails.
Document Service
Prepare proof of service documenting date, time, and method. Louisiana courts require this when filing the rule to show cause.
Louisiana Eviction Timeline
The Louisiana eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 5-day notice to vacate per La. CCP 4701
File rule to show cause (eviction petition) in Justice of the Peace or City Court
Court sets hearing date; tenant served with the rule to show cause
Hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment of eviction entered
Warrant of eviction issued; constable or sheriff enforces removal within 24 hours
Louisiana evictions are relatively fast. Uncontested cases take 3-5 weeks. Contested cases take 5-10 weeks. Orleans Parish (New Orleans) may have longer wait times. Louisiana's 24-hour execution period after the warrant is issued makes the final step very quick. Louisiana law prohibits self-help evictions.
Louisiana Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Louisiana Justice of the Peace or City Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $50 - $150 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Warrant of Eviction | $25 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $100 - $200 |
Sample Louisiana Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Louisiana-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of La. CCP 4701.
5-DAY NOTICE TO VACATE
STATE OF LOUISIANA
Pursuant to La. CCP Art. 4701
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have FIVE (5) DAYS from service to pay $[Amount] in rent owed or vacate the premises and deliver possession to the landlord.
LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE NOTE
Louisiana requires a 5-day notice to vacate for non-payment (La. CCP Art. 4701), not 7 days. Louisiana follows a civil law tradition with unique terminology and procedures.