La. Code Civ. Proc. § Art. 4732
Trial of rule; judgment of eviction
Operative Text
Art. 4732. Trial of rule; judgment of eviction A. The court shall make the rule returnable not earlier than the third day after service thereof, at which time the court shall try the rule and hear any defense which is made. B. If the court finds the lessor or owner entitled to the relief sought, or if the lessee or occupant fails to answer or to appear at the trial, the court shall render immediately a judgment of eviction ordering the lessee or occupant to deliver possession of the premises to the lessor or owner. The judgment of eviction shall be effective for not less than ninety days.
Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Art. 4732 governs the timeline and outcome of eviction rule hearings in Louisiana courts. A court must schedule the hearing no sooner than three days after the eviction rule is served on the occupant, at which point both sides may present their positions. If the court determines the property owner or lessor is entitled to eviction—or if the tenant simply does not respond or appear—the court must immediately issue a judgment of eviction ordering the occupant to vacate, and that judgment remains effective for a minimum of ninety days.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Art. 4732, a compliant eviction process in Louisiana involves ensuring the eviction rule is properly served and that the hearing is scheduled at least three days after service. Property owners and managers generally confirm that all procedural steps are documented so the court can promptly render a judgment of eviction if the lessee fails to appear or a defense is not sustained. Once a judgment is issued under Art. 4732, it carries a minimum effective period of ninety days, which operators typically account for when planning re-occupancy or re-leasing timelines.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Art. 4732 provides tenants with at least three days after being served with an eviction rule before any court hearing can take place, giving occupants a window to prepare a response. Tenants have the right under this provision to appear at the hearing and present any legal defense they may have—failure to appear or answer can result in an immediate judgment of eviction being entered against them. Those facing eviction proceedings under Art. 4732 may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand what defenses might be available before the hearing date.
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.
Effective Timeline
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