La. Code Civ. Proc. § Art. 4704
Definitions
Operative Text
Art. 4704. Definitions Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used in this Title the following terms have the following meanings: "Lease" means any oral or written lease, and includes a sublease; "Lessee" includes a sublessee, whether the person seeking to evict is a lessor or sublessor; and an assignee of a lessee; "Lessor" includes a sublessor, assignee, or transferee; "Occupant" includes a sharecropper; half hand; day laborer; former owner; and any person occupying immovable property by permission or accommodation of the owner, former owner, or another occupant, except a mineral lessee, owner of a mineral servitude, or a lessee of the owner; "Owner" includes a lessee; and "Premises" includes the land and all buildings and improvements thereon leased by a tenant, or possessed by an occupant.
Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Art. 4704 establishes the foundational definitions that govern eviction ("summary eviction") proceedings under this Title. The provision broadly defines key terms—such as "lease," "lessee," "lessor," "occupant," "owner," and "premises"—so that the rules apply to a wide range of living and occupancy arrangements, not just formal written rental agreements. For example, subleases, oral leases, sharecroppers, day laborers, and former owners who remain on a property can all fall within the scope of these definitions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Art. 4704, property owners and managers in Louisiana should be aware that the eviction framework applies broadly—covering not only traditional written leases but also oral agreements, subleases, and informal occupancy arrangements. A compliant operator generally keeps records of any agreement, written or oral, that establishes an occupancy relationship, since Art. 4704's expansive definitions mean that a wide variety of arrangements may trigger formal eviction procedures. Understanding which category an occupant falls into—lessee, sublessee, or general occupant—helps determine the correct procedural path under this Title.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Art. 4704 is significant for tenants and occupants in Louisiana because it defines who is protected—and who may be subject to—the state's eviction procedures. Whether someone rents under a written lease, an oral agreement, or even occupies property informally (such as with the owner's permission), Art. 4704 may bring that arrangement within the scope of Louisiana's eviction Title. Tenants or occupants who believe an eviction proceeding has been improperly initiated can consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how these definitions apply to their specific arrangement.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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