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Louisiana · What this letter means

Louisiana foreclosure letters and notices

The papers Louisiana homeowners receive, in the order they usually arrive. Each page uses the name on the Louisiana document, explains the deadline it starts under Louisiana law, and lists what to do this week.

  1. Step 1

    Notice of seizure

    In most Louisiana foreclosures, the sheriff's notice of seizure is the first official paper you get. A judge has already signed an order to seize and sell your home without a trial. The notice gives the sheriff's sale date, starts a 15-day window to appeal, and tells you about free housing counseling.

    What it means
  2. Step 2

    Notice to name an appraiser before a sheriff's sale

    If your home is being sold with appraisal, the sheriff must serve you a notice at least 7 days before the sale asking you to name your own appraiser. The appraisal sets the lowest price the home can sell for at the first offering, and it decides whether the lender can later sue you for a shortfall.

    What it means
  3. Step 3

    Notice to vacate (to an occupant after a sheriff's sale)

    After a sheriff's sale, Louisiana law treats you as an occupant, not an owner. The buyer must deliver a written notice to vacate that gives you 5 days to leave. It is not a court order. If you stay, the buyer must go to court, or ask the clerk for a writ of possession.

    What it means
  4. Step 4

    Rule to show cause why possession should not be delivered (eviction)

    If you stayed after the 5-day notice to vacate, the buyer can have you cited to a quick court hearing called a rule to show cause. The hearing can be held as soon as the third day after you are served. If the judge rules for the buyer, you have 24 hours to leave before a warrant issues.

    What it means
  5. Step 5

    Citation and petition (deficiency or ordinary foreclosure suit)

    Most Louisiana foreclosures skip the citation step. You get one only when the lender sues in an ordinary proceeding, either to foreclose or, after a sheriff's sale, to collect a shortfall. A citation gives you 21 days after service to file an answer.

    What it means
  6. Step 6

    Post-tax-lien-auction notice

    Since January 1, 2026, Louisiana parishes auction a tax lien certificate on unpaid property taxes instead of selling your home. This notice says the certificate holder plans to sue. You keep your home for now and can end the lien by paying the termination price to the tax collector.

    What it means

Got a letter not listed here? See every foreclosure letter explained, or how foreclosure works in Louisiana.