Louisiana Cure or Quit Notices: What Every Renter Should Know

If you're renting your home in Louisiana and have received a warning from your landlord about a lease violation, such as unpaid rent or breaking a lease rule, you may be given what’s called a “cure or quit notice.” Understanding what this notice means, your rights, and what steps to take can help you avoid unnecessary eviction and protect your home.

What Is a Cure or Quit Notice in Louisiana?

A cure or quit notice is an official written warning from your landlord. It tells you that you’ve broken a term of your lease (like not paying rent or violating a rule) and gives you the chance to fix—the legal word is “cure”—the problem. If you don’t resolve the issue by the deadline, your landlord can start an eviction process, also called a “quit.”

When Are Cure or Quit Notices Used?

• Nonpayment of Rent: If you miss rent, your landlord may give you a notice to pay the amount due or move out.
• Lease Violations: For issues like unauthorized pets, property damage, or excess noise.

The notice must specify what you did wrong and give you a set period to resolve it. In Louisiana, this timeframe depends on what your lease says and state law.

Louisiana Notice Requirements and Timeline

Louisiana does not require a specific written 'cure or quit' notice for all types of evictions. However, landlords must give proper notice before filing for eviction. For nonpayment of rent or most lease violations, this is typically a 5-day written notice.

• The law refers to this as a “5-Day Notice to Vacate.”
• Your landlord must give this notice in writing after the lease ends or a violation occurs.
• It can be delivered in person, by posting it on your door, or sometimes by certified mail.

If you fix the lease violation within the 5 days (for example, pay the full overdue rent), your landlord may not have grounds to evict you. But if you do nothing, the eviction process may move forward in court.

Relevant Official Forms for Louisiana Tenants

• 5-Day Notice to Vacate (landlords use this form to begin the process; tenants may receive it):
  No official state form number. Used when rent is owed or for a lease violation. Example: If you haven’t paid rent for June, your landlord gives you this notice.
  See more details and a sample from the Louisiana Supreme Court or your local parish court.
• Rule for Possession (Eviction Petition):
  After the notice period, landlords must file a Rule for Possession with the appropriate city or parish court. If you wish to contest the eviction, show up for the hearing or file a response.

Tenants do not need to file a form to respond to a notice, but it's important to take action—either by curing the issue or contacting the court.

Louisiana Law and Who Handles Evictions

Residential tenancies and evictions in Louisiana are governed by the Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729 and Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Articles 4701–4735.^[1][2]

• Evictions are handled by local city or parish courts. Find your local court using the Louisiana Supreme Court district directory.
• If you need to appeal an eviction decision, you would do so through the court that issued the original ruling.

What Should You Do If You Receive a Cure or Quit Notice?

If you get a 5-Day Notice to Vacate for unpaid rent or another lease violation, here's a quick summary of what to do:

• Read the notice and check what violation is being claimed (e.g., unpaid rent, unauthorized pet).
• Fix the problem within the notice period, if possible. For unpaid rent, pay the full amount owed.
• Keep receipts or documentation of any actions you take.
• If you disagree with the notice or can’t fix the issue, consider contacting free legal help (see below for resources).
• If you get court papers, attend the hearing or respond as directed by your local parish or city court.

Swift action increases the chances of staying in your home.

FAQ: Louisiana Cure or Quit Notices

1. How many days do I have to fix the problem after receiving a notice?
   Typically, you have 5 days after notice delivery to cure the violation or move out.
2. What if I pay what I owe within the notice period?
   If you fully resolve the issue (like paying overdue rent), the landlord cannot proceed with eviction for that reason at that time.
3. Does my landlord need a specific form to give a cure or quit notice?
   No standardized state form is required, but the notice must be in writing and state what you need to fix.
4. Who handles eviction hearings in Louisiana?
   Evictions are usually heard in your local city or parish court. Find your court through the Louisiana court district directory.
5. What if I need legal help responding to a notice?
   Contact local Louisiana tenant resources or legal aid for free advice on your rights and next steps.

Key Takeaways for Louisiana Renters

• Cure or quit (5-Day Notice to Vacate) is a warning—take it seriously and act quickly.
• Laws protect tenants by requiring written notice and time to fix most issues.
• Always keep written records and seek help if you’re unsure of your rights.

Knowing your rights can help you maintain stable housing and peace of mind.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Supreme Court – Find your local court, rules, and eviction information.
• LouisianaLawHelp.org – Housing Section – Legal information and free tenant resources.
• Louisiana Court District Directory – Locate your parish or city court for filings.
• Check with local Louisiana Housing Corporation for housing assistance programs.

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1. Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729 (Residential Leases)
2. Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Articles 4701–4735 (Evictions)

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