The sheriff, constable, or marshal shall execute a warrant rendered under Article 4733 in the presence of two witnesses, by clearing the premises of any property therein, in order to put the lessor or owner in possession of the premises. If the sheriff, constable, or marshal finds the windows, doors, or gates of the premises locked or barred, he shall break open any of these when necessary to effect convenient entry into the premises.
Art. 4734.Execution of Warrant
Book VII. Special Proceedings · Title XI. Eviction of Tenants and Occupants · Chapter 2. Procedure · Amendment history unavailable · Last verified July 30, 2026
In one sentenceArticle 4734 directs the sheriff, constable, or marshal to execute a warrant for possession in the presence of two witnesses by clearing the premises of any property inside, and authorizes breaking open locked or barred doors, windows, or gates when necessary to gain entry.
Full Text of Art. 4734
Plain-English Summary
Once a warrant for possession issues under Article 4733, Article 4734 spells out how the officer carries it out. The officer clears the premises of any property found there, which is what restores the lessor or owner to physical possession rather than just a legal entitlement to it.
That clearing has to happen in the presence of two witnesses. That requirement builds a documented record around what is otherwise a forceful exercise of state power, confirming that the officer's actions matched what the warrant authorized.
The article also addresses locked premises directly. If the sheriff, constable, or marshal finds the windows, doors, or gates of the premises locked or barred, the officer may break open any of these when necessary to effect convenient entry, without needing a separate order to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does executing the warrant mean in a Louisiana eviction?
The sheriff, constable, or marshal clears the premises of any property found there, in the presence of two witnesses, to put the lessor or owner back in possession.
Do witnesses have to be present when a Louisiana eviction is carried out?
Yes. Article 4734 requires two witnesses to be present when the officer executes the warrant.
Can the sheriff break open a locked door to execute an eviction warrant?
Yes. Article 4734 authorizes breaking open locked or barred doors, windows, or gates when necessary for convenient entry.
Source & verification. Article text is reproduced verbatim from
the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure (legis.la.gov). Enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.
Last verified July 30, 2026.
· Official source
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