Eviction Notices in New Orleans: A Landlord’s Guide
Handling an eviction in New Orleans requires a clear understanding of the specific notices and local court procedures. In fact, using the wrong eviction notice in New Orleans, or delivering it incorrectly, can cause a judge to dismiss your case. This forces you to start the entire process over.
Therefore, as of Sunday, October 5, 2025, this guide will serve as your go-to resource for navigating the rules of New Orleans eviction notices.
The First Step: The 5-Day Notice to Vacate 🖐️
The most common first step in a New Orleans eviction is the 5-Day Notice to Vacate. Specifically, a landlord must provide this written notice when a tenant has breached the lease, most often for non-payment of rent. It gives the tenant five business days to leave the property.
However, and most importantly, check your lease first! Many Louisiana leases contain a “waiver of notice” clause. If your lease includes this, you can legally skip the 5-Day Notice and proceed directly to filing an eviction lawsuit.
The New Orleans Eviction Courts 🏛️
Unlike many other parishes, evictions in New Orleans are handled in specialized courts with specific jurisdictions. For example:
- First City Court of New Orleans: Handles all eviction cases for properties located on the East Bank of Orleans Parish.
- Second City Court of New Orleans: Handles all eviction cases for properties located on the West Bank of Orleans Parish (Algiers).
Knowing which court to file in is a critical piece of local knowledge.
How to Legally Deliver Eviction Notices in New Orleans 🚶♂️🚪
Louisiana law is very specific about how you must deliver a Notice to Vacate. Ultimately, there are only two primary methods:
- First, Personal Service: Physically handing the notice directly to the tenant.
- Second, Tacking (Posting): If you cannot find the tenant, securely affixing the notice to the front door of the residence.
Methods like text messages, emails, or certified mail are not legally sufficient and can invalidate your eviction attempt.
Helpful Eviction PDFs for New Orleans Landlords ⬇️
To help you get started, here are some valuable PDF resources.
- Louisiana 5-Day Notice to Vacate Form (PDF): A downloadable, fillable example of the Notice to Quit form. Link to Sample PDF Form
- Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Eviction Guide (PDF): A comprehensive overview of the entire eviction process from the LSBA. Link to LSBA PDF Document
Why Professional Delivery is Crucial in New Orleans ✅
Ensuring your eviction notice in New Orleans is delivered correctly is a task that leaves no room for error. For this reason, Lafayette Process Servers LLC (operating as Metairie Process Servers) offers professional delivery for all types of eviction notices.
- Guaranteed Legal Compliance: Above all, we deliver the notice according to the strict letter of the law.
- Unbiased Proof of Service: Furthermore, we provide a notarized Affidavit of Service. This serves as powerful, third-party evidence in court that you properly notified the tenant.
- Avoids Confrontation: Finally, using a professional process server keeps you at a safe distance from potentially tense situations.
From delivering the initial notice to serving the official court summons after you file, we are your trusted partner in the process. So, contact us today to ensure your New Orleans eviction starts on solid legal ground.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Moreover, landlord-tenant laws are complex. Always consult your lease agreement and speak with a qualified Louisiana attorney regarding your specific situation.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
