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Orleans Parish Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Louisiana landlords need to file a Eviction (Rule for Possession) in Orleans Parish — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$120
Filing fee
2–4 weeks
Hearing wait
4–8 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ Orleans Parish Courthouse Information

⚠️ Orleans Parish — What Landlords Should Know

Orleans Parish (New Orleans) has stronger tenant protections than most of Louisiana.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Orleans Parish?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Orleans Parish eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Orleans Parish

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 5-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Louisiana law.

2

File Your Eviction (Rule for Possession) at Orleans Parish Civil District Court

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court (421 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112). The filing fee is $120. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Orleans Parish, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $35. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Orleans Parish are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Louisiana Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Louisiana.

Orleans Parish Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $120 Paid to Orleans Parish Clerk of Court
Summons Service $35 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$30–$35 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$3000 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Orleans Parish Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Orleans Parish?

The typical Orleans Parish eviction takes 4–8 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Orleans Parish has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Orleans Parish?

The court filing fee in Orleans Parish is $120. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($35), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$30–$35), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $185–$190.

What court handles evictions in Orleans Parish?

Evictions in Orleans Parish are filed at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, located at 421 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112. The case type is filed as a Eviction (Rule for Possession).

Can I file an eviction online in Orleans Parish?

Orleans Parish does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Orleans Parish?

Louisiana law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Orleans Parish?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Louisiana.

See full Louisiana eviction laws and notice requirements.

Louisiana Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Louisiana.

Louisiana Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Orleans Parish? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Orleans Parish →

Relevant Louisiana Statutes