Filing for eviction in Louisiana is a stressful, time-sensitive process. In fact, the most critical step is the Louisiana 5-Day Notice to Vacate. A simple mistake in how you serve this form can get your entire case dismissed by a judge, forcing you to start all over. Consequently, you lose another month’s rent.
As Metairie’s 5-star rated legal support experts, we’ve created this guide to help. Not only will we provide links to the PDF forms you need, but more importantly, we’ll explain the “gold standard” professional process for serving them—the only way to guarantee your eviction case is built on a solid foundation.
Key Takeaways 🔑
- The Notice is Mandatory: You cannot file an eviction for non-payment (or other breaches) without first legally delivering a 5-Day Notice to Vacate.
- Service is the Key: How you deliver the notice is critical. A text, email, or simple letter is not legally sufficient and will get your case thrown out.
- Proof is Everything: A professional process server provides a notarized Affidavit of Service, which is your ironclad proof for the judge that you served the notice legally.
- “Waiver of Notice” is Your #1 Tool: First, you must check your lease for a “waiver of notice” clause. This is a “diamond standard” expert tip that may allow you to skip the 5-Day Notice and file in court immediately.
Free Louisiana Eviction Notice Forms (PDF Downloads) 📥
Here are the high-authority resources and PDF forms you need to start the process correctly.
- Download: Sample Louisiana 5-Day Notice to Vacate Form (PDF)
- Jefferson Parish 5th Justice Court Eviction Forms (PDFs)
- New Orleans CDC , First Circuit and Second Circuit Eviction Forms (PDFs)
- Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Eviction Guide (PDF)
- Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Art. 4701 (The Law)
- Louisiana Eviction Notice: A New Orleans Landlord’s Guide (Free Forms)
- Louisiana Eviction Notice: A Comprehensive Guide for Landlords
- Core Duties of a Professional Process Server in the New Orleans Metro Area | Lafayette Process Servers LLC
- Eviction Notices in New Orleans
- Jefferson Parish 5th Justice Court Forms | Eviction & Small Claims Guide
How to Use These Forms: The “Gold Standard” Process
Just downloading a form doesn’t start your case. Instead, you must follow this step-by-step process.
Step 1: Check Your Lease for a “Waiver of Notice”
Before you do anything, read your lease. If it contains a “waiver of notice” clause, you may be able to skip the 5-Day Notice entirely and file your “Rule for Possession” (eviction lawsuit) immediately. However, if you are unsure, serving the 5-Day Notice is always the safest legal option.
Step 2: How You MUST Serve the 5-Day Notice
This is where 90% of landlords fail. You cannot just text the tenant or mail the notice. Louisiana law requires you to:
- Deliver it in Person to the tenant; OR
- Deliver it to a Person of Suitable Age at the tenant’s residence; OR
- “Tack” (Post) it on the door only if the tenant (or a suitable person) cannot be found after diligent effort.
Step 3: The “Gold Standard” Solution (How to Get Business)
A tenant’s #1 defense in court is, “I never got the notice.”
When you hire Metairie Process Servers, this defense is impossible. We are a professional, independent third party. Not only do we serve the notice 100% legally, but we also provide you with a notarized Affidavit of Service. This affidavit is your ironclad, indisputable proof for the judge that the notice was served. Ultimately, it’s a small investment that protects your entire case.
Hear it from the Expert: Eviction Rules 🎬
transcript-How to Serve a 5-Day Eviction Notice in Louisiana (Step-by-Step) (1)
What Our Clients Say ⭐
“I used to serve my own 5-Day Notices until a case got dismissed. Now, I use Scott’s team for every single one. Their Affidavits are perfect, and I never have to worry about a bad serve in Jefferson Parish.” -Jude D,` Property Manager, Metairie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I serve the 5-Day Notice myself?
A: Yes, you legally can. However, it is not recommended. If the tenant claims you didn’t do it, it becomes your word against theirs. A professional process server’s Affidavit of Service is an impartial, sworn statement that the court trusts.
Q: What if the tenant avoids service?
A: This is our specialty. We are experts at serving evasive individuals. If they don’t answer the door, we know the “diligent effort” required to legally “tack” the notice, and we document every step.
Q: What happens after the 5 days?
A: If the tenant doesn’t move, you take our Affidavit of Service and your “Petition for Eviction” to the courthouse (e.g., First Parish Court in Metairie or the 24th JDC) to file your lawsuit. We can also handle that court filing for you.
Don’t Risk Your Eviction. Call the Experts. ✅
Don’t let a simple mistake cost you another month of rent. Instead, let our team handle the notice, the filing, and the service of process.
Therefore, contact us today at (504) 210-8344 or upload your 5-Day Notice for immediate, professional service.
About the Author
Scott Frank is the founder of Lafayette Process Servers LLC, bringing over 20 years of dedicated experience in Louisiana legal support services. Indeed, he is a recognized expert in service of process and the specific eviction procedures of the Jefferson Parish and New Orleans courts.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only and not legal advice. Consequently, you must consult with a qualified Louisiana attorney for your specific case. Remember, we are not lawyers; we are professional process servers.
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