Eviction in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette), Louisiana

Where eviction cases are filed in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Where eviction cases are filed in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette)

Eviction cases in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette) are heard by the Lafayette City Court (also justice of the peace courts and the 15th Judicial District Court in Lafayette Parish) (City court / Justice of the peace courts).

Lafayette City Court hears most evictions in the city of Lafayette; justice of the peace courts hear evictions elsewhere in the parish. Contact the Lafayette City Court clerk for current filing procedures and fees before filing.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette)

City Court fee not verified. Justice of the peace courts: eviction proceeding up to $120 + $20 per additional defendant (La. R.S. 13:2590), https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=77379.

The statutory amount is the maximum a justice of the peace may require as security for costs in an eviction; service fees are separate. People unable to pay may apply to proceed in forma pauperis (La. C.C.P. art. 5181).

Source: La. R.S. 13:2590

The Louisiana eviction process

Louisiana state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Lafayette Parish (Lafayette):

1. Lease ends (expiration, termination notice, nonpayment, or other breach)
2. Landlord delivers a written notice to vacate giving at least 5 days from delivery (C.C.P. art. 4701), unless the lease waives the notice. If the premises are abandoned or the tenant cannot be found, the notice may be posted on the door (art. 4703).
3. If the tenant stays, the landlord files a rule to show cause why possession should not be delivered, stating the grounds (art. 4731)
4. Hearing set no earlier than the 3rd day after service of the rule (art. 4732(A))
5. Judgment of eviction issued immediately if the landlord prevails or the tenant fails to appear; effective for at least 90 days (art. 4732(B))
6. If the tenant has not vacated within 24 hours after judgment, the court issues a warrant for possession (art. 4733)
7. Sheriff, constable or marshal executes the warrant with two witnesses and may force entry if necessary (art. 4734)

Full Louisiana eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Lafayette, LA HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette): $1,057/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No parish-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified.

Eviction help in Lafayette Parish (Lafayette)

Free legal help

• Acadiana Legal Service Corporation — Free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents, including wrongful-eviction defense. Lafayette/Administrative office, 1020 Surrey Street, Lafayette, LA 70501 (listed as temporarily closed for repairs; staff working remotely). Intake 1-866-ASK-ALSC (1-866-275-2572).

Other Louisiana counties

• Eviction in Orleans Parish (New Orleans)
• Eviction in East Baton Rouge Parish (Baton Rouge)
• Eviction in Jefferson Parish (Metairie)
• Eviction in Caddo Parish (Shreveport)

Related

• Louisiana landlord-tenant law
• How long an eviction takes in Louisiana
• Louisiana eviction notice periods
• Notice deadline calculator
• How to evict a tenant in Louisiana (landlords)

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.