Home Louisiana Eviction Notice: A New Orleans Landlord’s Guide (Free Forms)
The Louisiana eviction notice is the absolute first step you must take when beginning the eviction process in the New Orleans metro area. Getting this notice wrong—using the incorrect type or delivering it improperly—can cause a judge at First City Court or the 24th JDC to dismiss your entire case. Therefore, understanding the rules isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.
As your local legal support partner, Lafayette Process Servers LLC (operating as Metairie Process Servers) handles these critical documents daily. This guide provides a clear, comprehensive overview of the Louisiana eviction notice, including downloadable forms, to ensure you start the process correctly.
- The most common Louisiana eviction notice for lease violations (like non-payment of rent) is the 5-Day Notice to Vacate.
- Crucially, always check your lease first for a “waiver of notice” clause, which may allow you to file for eviction immediately.
- You must deliver the notice by either Personal Service (handing it to the tenant) or Tacking (posting it securely on the front door).
- Using a professional process server provides a sworn Affidavit of Service, which is powerful evidence in court.
Louisiana law specifies different notices for different situations. Using the correct one is vital.
First and foremost, this is the notice you’ll use most often. It’s required when a tenant breaks the lease agreement. The most common reason, of course, is non-payment of rent. However, it also applies to other violations like having unauthorized pets or causing significant property damage. This notice gives the tenant five business days (excluding weekends/holidays) to leave the property.
Pay close attention here: Many standard Louisiana residential leases include a “waiver of notice” clause. If your signed lease contains this specific language, you are not required to give the 5-Day Notice before filing an eviction lawsuit. Instead, you can proceed directly to filing a Rule for Possession at the appropriate court the day after the breach occurs. Therefore, always read your lease carefully!
Alternatively, if you have a tenant on a month-to-month lease (or no written lease) and want to end the tenancy without citing a lease violation, you must provide a 10-Day Notice to Terminate. You must deliver this notice at least ten days before the end of the current rental month.
To help you get started correctly, here are links to valuable PDF resources.
The way you deliver the notice is just as important as the notice itself. Louisiana law only recognizes two primary methods for delivering a Notice to Vacate:
Be warned: Methods like text messages, emails, or even certified mail are not legally sufficient for this initial notice and can invalidate your entire eviction case.
“‘Metairie Process Servers handled the delivery of our 5-Day Notice in Kenner professionally and provided the Affidavit immediately. Their knowledge of local Jefferson Parish procedures is invaluable.’ – Property Manager, Metairie”
While a landlord can deliver the notice themselves, using a professional process server is the smartest and safest choice, especially in the New Orleans metro area.
From delivering the initial notice to serving the official court summons after you file, we are your trusted local partner.
Contact Lafayette Process Servers LLC today to ensure your eviction starts on solid legal ground.
Contact us today at (504) 210-8344 or upload your case files
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws are complex. Always consult your lease agreement and speak with a qualified Louisiana attorney regarding your specific situation.
Scott Frank is the founder of Lafayette Process Servers LLC with over 20 years of experience in Louisiana legal support. He is an expert in the rules of service of process, landlord-tenant procedures, and the specific requirements of the New Orleans and Jefferson Parish court systems.
