Louisiana tenant did not pay rent
Unpaid Louisiana rent may support lease dissolution under Civil Code art. 2704 and conventional-obligation rules. The Code does not create a universal five-day rent cure. A five-day notice to vacate under Code of Civil Procedure art. 4701 ordinarily follows cessation of the right of occupancy, unless the lease contains a valid written waiver.
- Verify the rent balance and lease terms.
- Determine whether the lease has actually been dissolved.
- Do not call the five-day vacate period a rent cure.
Built around the requirements of La. Civ. Code art. 2704; La. C.C.P. art. 4701.
What happens after unpaid rent?
Civil Code art. 2704 refers dissolution to conventional-obligation law. The lease's default and dissolution terms, tender and defenses can matter.
When does a five-day notice apply?
Code of Civil Procedure art. 4701 requires written notice to vacate after the lessee's right of occupancy has ceased, allowing at least five days after delivery unless a valid written lease waiver applies.
What follows notice?
If the tenant remains after valid notice or waiver, the lessor may seek a court rule to show cause under art. 4731; self-help removal is not a judgment.
Common mistakes to avoid
Louisiana legal authority
Legal information reviewed October 6, 2026.
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is there a universal Louisiana five-day pay-or-quit notice?
No. Civil Code art. 2704 addresses dissolution for nonpayment, while Code of Civil Procedure art. 4701 supplies a vacate notice after the right of occupancy has ceased.
Can the lease waive the vacate notice?
Article 4701 permits a written waiver contained in the lease; the dissolution basis still needs review.
Need to prepare the Louisiana notice?
Use the guided LandlordAnswers workflow. It applies the state-specific rules, collects only the facts that affect the result, and keeps document generation inside the browser.
Start Louisiana Nonpayment Tool