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Common Reasons for Eviction in Louisiana: A Landlord’s Guide 🏑

Home Common Reasons for Eviction in Louisiana: A Landlord’s Guide 🏑

Common Reasons for Eviction in Louisiana: A Landlord’s Guide 🏑

 

Eviction is often a last resort, but it’s a necessary legal tool for landlords to protect their property and investment. However, in Louisiana, you can’t evict a tenant simply because you want to; you must have a legally valid reason, or “cause.” Acting without proper cause can lead to a lawsuit against you.

 

As of Sunday, October 5, 2025, understanding these common reasons is the first step to navigating the eviction process correctly. This guide breaks down the most frequent and legally sound reasons for eviction in Louisiana.

 

 

Reason #1: Non-Payment of Rent πŸ’΅

 

This is, by far, the most common reason for eviction. If a tenant fails to pay their rent on time as stipulated in the lease agreement, the landlord has the right to begin the eviction process.

 

  • What to do: In most cases, you must start by providing the tenant with a 5-Day Notice to Vacate. This written notice gives them five business days to either pay the rent or leave the property. Crucially, check your lease for a “waiver of notice” clause, as this may allow you to file for eviction immediately without giving this notice.

 

 

Reason #2: Lease Violations 🚫

 

An eviction can also occur if the tenant violates any other term of the lease agreement. This includes anything from minor infractions to major breaches of contract.

Common lease violations include:

 

  • Unauthorized Pets: Keeping an animal in the property when the lease forbids it.

 

  • Unapproved Occupants: Allowing someone to live in the unit who is not on the lease.

 

  • Significant Property Damage: Causing damage beyond normal wear and tear.

 

  • Illegal Activities: Conducting illegal activities on the premises.

 

  • Subletting: Renting out the property to another person without permission.

 

What to do: Just like with non-payment of rent, the standard procedure for these violations is to issue a 5-Day Notice to Vacate.

 

 

Reason #3: End of Lease or No Lease (Termination of Tenancy) πŸ—“οΈ

 

Sometimes, an eviction is necessary simply because the rental agreement is over.

 

  • Fixed-Term Lease: If your lease has a specific end date (e.g., a one-year lease), and you do not wish to renew, the lease simply expires. The tenant is expected to move out by the end date. If they don’t, they are considered a “holdover” tenant, and you can file for eviction without any additional notice.

 

  • Month-to-Month Lease: If the tenant is on a verbal or written month-to-month lease, you can end the tenancy by providing a 10-Day Notice to Terminate. This notice must be given at least ten days before the end of the rental month.

 

 

The Next Step: Proper Notice and Service

 

For any of these reasons, the eviction process must begin with a proper written notice that is delivered correctly. In fact, an error in this first step can jeopardize your entire case.

 

Using a professional process server like Lafayette Process Servers LLC to deliver your initial notice ensures it’s done right. We provide a notarized Affidavit of Service, which acts as a powerful, unbiased record in court.

 

 

Helpful Eviction PDFs for Louisiana Landlords

 

  • Sample Louisiana 5-Day Notice to Vacate Form (PDF): A downloadable PDF example of the Notice to Quit form. Link to Sample PDF Form

 

  • Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Eviction Guide (PDF): A helpful overview of the entire eviction process. Link to LSBA PDF Document

 

 

⚠️ Disclaimer

 

This blog post provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Landlord-tenant law is complex. You should always consult your lease agreement and speak with a qualified Louisiana attorney regarding your specific situation.

 

 

πŸ“š Sources & Further Reading

 

 

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