Catahoula Parish is a small, sparsely populated central Louisiana parish of approximately 9,400 people, anchored by Harrisonburg — the parish seat with a population of only about 550 — situated along the Black River in the heart of Louisiana’s lake and river country. The parish is home to Catahoula Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Louisiana and one of the most important wintering grounds for waterfowl in North America, which draws hunters and wildlife enthusiasts from across the region during fall and winter. The parish name itself is derived from the Choctaw words meaning “sacred lake,” reflecting the region’s deep indigenous heritage. The Catahoula Leopard Dog, Louisiana’s official state dog, originates from this area.
The parish economy rests on agriculture, timber, oil and gas production, and public sector employment. Catahoula Parish’s poverty rate of approximately 29% is among the higher rates in the state, reflecting limited private sector employment opportunities. The rental market is extremely small — concentrated in Harrisonburg and the community of Jonesville — with limited inventory and rents among the lowest in Louisiana. The 28th Judicial District Court in Harrisonburg handles all parish eviction proceedings. Louisiana Civil Code governs all leases with no local rent control or just-cause eviction requirements.
No parish-level rental license required. Louisiana has no statewide landlord licensing statute. Verify with the Town of Harrisonburg or Town of Jonesville for any local code enforcement requirements within their limits. Unincorporated rural properties are not subject to municipal codes.
Rent Control
None. Louisiana has no statewide rent control and Catahoula Parish has no local rent control ordinance. Lessors may raise rent freely at lease renewal with proper notice.
Security Deposit
Capped at 2 months’ rent (R.S. 9:3251). Must be returned with itemized deductions within 30 days of lease termination or surrender, whichever is later (R.S. 9:3252). Permissible deductions: unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities owed by lessee.
Eviction Court — 28th Judicial District
All Catahoula Parish eviction proceedings are filed in the 28th Judicial District Court, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, 301 Bushley Street, Harrisonburg, LA 71340. Phone: (318) 744-5497. Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Justice of the Peace courts may have jurisdiction for residential leases not exceeding $1,000/month in unincorporated areas (CCP Art. 4843).
Notice to Vacate
Written 5-day notice to vacate required before filing for eviction (CCP Art. 4701–4703). Serve personally, by domiciliary service, or by door-posting plus first class mail. Retain all service documentation.
Month-to-Month Termination
10-day written notice required to terminate a month-to-month lease (CC Art. 2687, 2728). Notice must be given at least 10 days before the end of the monthly rental period.
Tacit Reconduction
Accepting rent after a fixed-term lease expires automatically creates a new month-to-month tenancy (CC Art. 2686). Give written notice before lease expiration if renewal is not intended.
No Statutory Cure Period
Louisiana provides no statutory cure period for lease violations. After the 5-day notice to vacate expires, the lessor may file a Rule to Show Cause immediately.
Agriculture & Timber Workforce
Row crop agriculture and timber provide the primary private sector employment. Agricultural workers have seasonal income — request prior-year tax returns or 12-month bank statements rather than in-season pay stubs. W-2 mill employees verify with pay stubs; independent contract loggers require Schedule C or 12-month bank statements.
Oil & Gas Production
Catahoula Parish has active oil and gas production. Field workers, pumpers, and service technicians working on local production may be W-2 employees of oil companies or independent contractors. W-2 employees verify with pay stubs; contractors require Schedule C or bank statements.
Catahoula Lake & Seasonal Recreation
Catahoula Lake is a major waterfowl hunting and fishing destination. Some short-term or seasonal rental demand exists from hunters and sportsmen during fall and winter seasons. Distinguish between seasonal/short-term rentals (governed by different rules) and standard residential leases. Seasonal hunting camp rentals typically do not constitute residential leases under Louisiana law.
High Poverty & Screening Adaptation
Catahoula Parish’s ~29% poverty rate means a significant share of rental applicants rely on SSI, SSDI, Social Security, or Housing Choice Vouchers. Prioritize rental history, income stability, and source reliability alongside income verification. Apply all screening criteria consistently per federal Fair Housing requirements.
Source of Income / HCV
No state or local source of income protections. Landlords are not required to accept Housing Choice Vouchers. Contact the relevant central Louisiana housing authority for current Catahoula Parish payment standards if considering HCV participation.
Lessor’s Privilege
Louisiana law gives lessors a legal privilege (lien) on the lessee’s movable property on the leased premises to secure up to two years of unpaid rent (CC Art. 2752). This is a unique Louisiana remedy. Consult a Louisiana attorney before attempting to exercise this right.
Self-Help Eviction
Prohibited. Lessors may not take possession by any means other than lawful judicial process (CCP Art. 4736). Lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of tenant belongings without a court order expose the lessor to liability for damages and attorney fees.
Tenant Can Cure?No - Louisiana notices are unconditional. No right to cure by paying rent. However, tenant can negotiate with landlord. Notice can be waived entirely in lease.
Days to Hearing2-7 days
Days to Writ1-3 days
Total Estimated Timeline14-30 days
Total Estimated Cost$100-$400
⚠️ Watch Out
VERY landlord-friendly state. 5-day notice is UNCONDITIONAL - no cure right, tenant must vacate. Notice can be WAIVED in lease - if waived, landlord can file immediately without any notice. No grace period. No statewide late fee cap. No security deposit cap. Tenant gets only 24 hours to appeal after judgment. Lease term notice: 10-day for month-to-month, 30-day for year lease. Do not count weekends/holidays in 5-day period.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Justice of the Peace Court / City Court / District Court. Pay the filing fee (~$50-150).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Louisiana eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Louisiana attorney or local legal aid organization.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on state statutes and typical court timelines. Actual results vary by county, court backlog, and case specifics. Always verify current requirements with your local courthouse. This is not legal advice.
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🏘️ Communities & Screening Tips
Key communities: Harrisonburg, Jonesville, Sicily Island, Manifest.
Catahoula market: One of Louisiana’s smallest rental markets. ~29% poverty rate — adapt screening for fixed-income applicants. Agricultural and contract logging workers need full-year income documentation. Oil field workers verify W-2 vs. contractor status. School district employees are the most stable local segment.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Catahoula Parish Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Law: A Guide for Rental Property Owners in Harrisonburg, Jonesville, and Central Louisiana’s Lake Country
Catahoula Parish occupies a quiet corner of central Louisiana where the Black River and Little River converge near Harrisonburg and the vast, shallow waters of Catahoula Lake spread across the parish’s southern reaches. The parish name — derived from Choctaw words meaning “sacred lake” — points to the region’s deep history, and the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Louisiana’s official state dog, takes its name from this parish where the breed was first developed by indigenous people and European settlers in the 18th century. Today Catahoula Parish is one of Louisiana’s smallest and most rural, with approximately 9,400 residents and an economy shaped by agriculture, timber, oil and gas production, and the public sector employment that anchors most small Louisiana parishes. For landlords, it is one of the state’s quietest markets — low inventory, low rents, high poverty, and a straightforward application of Louisiana Civil Code law in a low-volume courthouse.
The Catahoula Lake Recreation Economy
Catahoula Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Louisiana and one of the most productive waterfowl wintering grounds in North America, drawing duck and goose hunters from across the country during the fall and winter hunting seasons. This generates a modest but real seasonal demand for short-term and hunting camp accommodations in the parish. Landlords should be aware that hunting camp rentals and short-term seasonal accommodations typically do not constitute residential leases under Louisiana law — they are generally treated as licenses or short-term contracts rather than leases subject to the Civil Code residential lease provisions and security deposit statutes. If you are renting a property for hunting or recreational use rather than as a primary residence, consult a Louisiana attorney about the appropriate legal structure for that arrangement.
Louisiana Law and the Eviction Process in Catahoula Parish
All Catahoula Parish evictions are filed in the 28th Judicial District Court, Catahoula Parish Courthouse, 301 Bushley Street, Harrisonburg, LA 71340, phone (318) 744-5497. Begin with a written 5-day notice to vacate for nonpayment or lease violation, served per CCP Art. 4704. After the notice period expires, file a Rule to Show Cause. The court sets a hearing, serves the rule at least 2 days before, and the judge rules. If the lessor prevails, the lessee has 24 hours to vacate before the Catahoula Parish Sheriff enforces a writ of possession. Month-to-month leases require 10-day written notice to terminate. Security deposits are capped at 2 months’ rent and must be returned with itemized deductions within 30 days. Louisiana’s tacit reconduction doctrine means accepting rent after a fixed-term lease expires automatically creates a new month-to-month tenancy — give written notice before expiration if the fixed term is intended to end.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Louisiana landlord-tenant law is governed by the Civil Code and differs significantly from other states. Consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or contact the 28th Judicial District Court at (318) 744-5497 for guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Louisiana landlord-tenant law is governed by the Civil Code and differs significantly from other states. Consult a licensed Louisiana attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Last updated: March 2026.
