For landlords in the Baton Rouge metro area, the 5-Day Notice to Vacate is the essential first step in the eviction process. 📜 Getting this document right is critical; a mistake here can stop an eviction before it even starts, costing you valuable time and money.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the 5-Day Notice in Louisiana and how partners like Lafayette Process Servers LLC can help you with the next steps.
What is a 5-Day Notice to Vacate?
A 5-Day Notice to Vacate is a formal, written demand that a tenant leave your property within five business days. Louisiana law requires this notice to terminate a lease for violations like non-payment of rent. It’s the final warning before you take the matter to court.
Important Exception: Check your lease! Many Louisiana leases include a “waiver of notice” clause. If your tenant signed a lease with this clause, you might be able to skip this notice and file your eviction petition directly with the court.
What to Include on Your Notice
To be legally valid, your notice must be clear and contain specific information. Make sure it includes:
- Tenant Info: The full names of all tenants on the lease.
- Property Address: The complete and correct street address.
- Dates: The date you’re issuing the notice.
- Clear Demand: An unconditional statement that the tenant must vacate the premises within five days.
- Reason: The specific reason for the notice (e.g., “for non-payment of rent for August 2025”).
- Signature: Your signature as the landlord or property manager.
✍️ Pro-Tip: You can download a Louisiana Eviction Notice to Quit Form here to ensure your wording is correct.
Serving Landlords Across the Baton Rouge Metro Area 🗺️
These legal requirements apply throughout Louisiana. Lafayette Process Servers LLC supports landlords with their follow-up process serving needs across the entire Baton Rouge metropolitan area.
East Baton Rouge Parish
- Baton Rouge
- Zachary
- Baker
- Central
Ascension Parish
- Gonzales
- Prairieville
- Donaldsonville
Livingston Parish
- Denham Springs
- Walker
- Livingston
West Baton Rouge Parish
- Port Allen
- Brusly
- Addis
What Happens After 5 Days? ⚖️
If the five business days pass and the tenant hasn’t moved, your next step is to file a Petition for Eviction (also called a Rule for Possession) with the local court.
Once filed, the court requires you to have the tenant formally served with the lawsuit papers. This is called service of process, a critical step where professional help is essential. While you handle the initial notice, our team at Lafayette Process Servers LLC is ready to serve the official court documents with the speed and legal precision your case demands.
Don’t Let a Simple Notice Derail Your Eviction
Get the 5-Day Notice right, and you’ll start your eviction on solid legal ground. When it’s time to serve court documents, trust the experts who know the Baton Rouge area.
📞 Contact Lafayette Process Servers LLC today at (225) 243-9669 to ensure your eviction proceeds smoothly!
Sources & Helpful Links
- Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Art. 4701 (Notice to Vacate): https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=113943
- Baton Rouge City Court: https://www.brcitycourt.org/
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (Tenant/Landlord Info): https://slls.org/get-help/housing/
- A Landlord’s Guide to the Eviction Process in Baton Rouge, LA
- Louisiana State Bar Association (Pro Bono Eviction Resources): https://www.lsba.org/documents/Members/PandemicProBonoEvictions.pdf
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Eviction laws are complex. We strongly recommend you consult with a qualified attorney in Louisiana for advice regarding your specific situation.
