Louisiana Eviction Law at a Glance
State Statute
La. Civ. Code art. 2668; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701 — Louisiana Civil Code — Lease / Code of Civil Procedure — Eviction
Notice Periods
- Nonpayment: 5-Day Pay or Quit
- Lease violation: 5-Day Cure or Quit
- Unconditional: 5-Day Notice to Vacate
- End of tenancy: 10-Day Notice to Vacate
Available Defenses
- Habitability (La. Civ. Code art. 2696)
- Retaliation (La. Rev. Stat. §51:2606)
- Procedural defects
- Discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
Right to Cure
YES — Tenant has 5 days to pay past-due rent or cure lease violations
Self-Help Eviction
PROHIBITED — Landlord must use court process (La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701)
Court & Filing
City Court or Justice of the Peace Court
Landlord must file eviction (rule to show cause) in city court or justice of the peace court
Complaints: Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Section
Additional Protections
- Louisiana follows civil law tradition — eviction process differs from common law states
- Self-help eviction prohibited
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Louisiana Eviction Response FAQ
How many days do I have to respond to an eviction notice in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the response deadline depends on the type of eviction notice: Nonpayment: 5-Day Pay or Quit; Lease violation: 5-Day Cure or Quit; Unconditional: 5-Day Notice to Vacate; End of tenancy: 10-Day Notice to Vacate. Missing your deadline can result in a default judgment and forced move-out.
What defenses can I raise against eviction in Louisiana?
Available defenses in Louisiana include: Habitability (La. Civ. Code art. 2696), Retaliation (La. Rev. Stat. §51:2606), Procedural defects, Discrimination (Fair Housing Act). The availability depends on your specific circumstances.
Does Louisiana require landlords to give tenants a right to cure?
Yes. Tenant has 5 days to pay past-due rent or cure lease violations
Can my landlord evict me without going to court in Louisiana?
No. Under La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701, self-help eviction is prohibited in Louisiana. Your landlord must file in City Court or Justice of the Peace Court and obtain a judgment.
What should I include in an eviction response letter in Louisiana?
Your letter should: (1) identify the notice by date and type, (2) cite La. Civ. Code art. 2668; La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701, (3) assert applicable defenses, (4) demand proper legal procedure, (5) state your intent to defend in court, and (6) be sent via certified mail.
Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Louisiana?
File complaints with the Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection Section and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For illegal self-help eviction, contact local law enforcement.
Eviction Response Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.