Art. 4732.Trial of Rule; Judgment of Eviction

Article 4732 keeps Louisiana's eviction procedure moving on a compressed timeline while still guaranteeing the defendant a chance to be heard. The rule cannot be tried before the third day after service, which gives the lessee or occupant at least that much time to prepare and present a defense, but nothing in the article slows the case down beyond that minimum.

Two paths lead to the same result at trial. If the court finds the lessor or owner entitled to the relief sought after hearing the defense that is raised, or if the lessee or occupant fails to answer or appear, the court renders a judgment of eviction immediately, ordering possession of the premises delivered to the lessor or owner. There is no separate delay built in between the finding and the judgment.

Once rendered, that judgment stays effective for not less than ninety days. That window gives the lessor a real opportunity to see the judgment enforced, through the warrant procedure in Article 4733, rather than a ruling that could lapse before it is put to use.