La. Code Civ. Proc. § Art. 4844
Amount in dispute; eviction proceedings
Operative Text
Art. 4844. Amount in dispute; eviction proceedings Notwithstanding Articles 4842(A) and 4843, a parish court or city court shall, within its territorial jurisdiction, have jurisdiction, concurrent with the district court, over the following matters, regardless of the amount of daily, monthly, or yearly rent or the rent for the unexpired term of the lease or the annual value of the right of occupancy: (1) Suits by owners and landlords for the possession of leased premises. (2) Suits by landowners or lessors for eviction of occupants or tenants of leased residential premises. (3) Suits to evict an occupant as defined by Article 4704. (4) Suits by landowners or lessors for the eviction of occupants or tenants of leased commercial premises and leased farmlands.
Under La. Code Civ. Proc. art. § Art. 4844, Louisiana parish courts and city courts hold jurisdiction over eviction and possession proceedings that runs alongside the jurisdiction of district courts. This concurrent authority applies regardless of the rent amount or the value of the occupancy right at issue. The provision covers suits involving residential premises, commercial premises, farmlands, and occupants as defined by the relevant code, meaning landlords and tenants may find eviction cases heard in local courts rather than only in district court.
Plain English — not legal advice.
La. Code Civ. Proc. art. § Art. 4844 gives property owners and landlords the option to file eviction or possession suits in a parish or city court within the relevant territory, not just in district court. Compliant operators generally identify which court has territorial jurisdiction over the leased premises before initiating proceedings, since the statute applies to residential, commercial, and farmland leases alike. Understanding this concurrent jurisdiction helps operators choose the appropriate venue when seeking to recover possession of leased property.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
La. Code Civ. Proc. art. § Art. 4844 means that an eviction proceeding against a tenant or occupant may be filed in a parish court, city court, or district court, giving landlords flexibility in choosing a venue. Tenants facing eviction in any of these courts retain the right to appear, respond, and raise applicable defenses regardless of which court the landlord selects. Those who receive an eviction notice or court summons may benefit from contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the procedural options available in the chosen court.
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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