§3322. Summary proceeding for surrender of property; rule to show cause; judgment

A. If the lessee fails or refuses to surrender the leased property to the lessor within the delays provided in R.S. 9:3321, the lessor may cause the lessee to be cited summarily by a court of competent jurisdiction to show cause why he should not be ordered to surrender possession of the leased property to the lessor, in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

B.(1) The court shall make the rule returnable within five calendar days after the date of the order, at which hearing the court shall try the rule and hear any defense that is made.

(2) When the object of the rule to show cause to surrender possession is to obtain possession of the leased movable from a lessee or sublessee in default of the lease or a third party in possession of the movable, an affidavit by the lessor or his agent shall be prima facie proof of the lessor's entitlement to the relief sought.

(3) The affidavit shall state factual grounds on which the lessee's default is based and shall be accompanied by legible copies of the lease agreement, evidence of ownership of the leased movable, and documents or exhibits which show the mover's right to possession of the leased movable.

(4) The affidavit and exhibits annexed thereto which contain facts to establish a prima facie case shall be admissible and self-authenticating.

(5) The court may, under the circumstances of the case, require additional evidence in the form of oral testimony or documentary evidence before entering judgment on the rule.

C. A hearing in open court shall not be required unless the judge, in his discretion, directs such a hearing to be held. The mover shall submit to the court the proof required by this Section, a certificate indicating the type of service made on the defendant and the date of service, and the original and not less than one copy of the proposed final judgment. The minute clerk shall make an entry showing the dates of receipt of proof, review of the record, and rendition of the judgment. A certified copy of the signed judgment shall be sent to the mover by the clerk of court.

D. If the court finds the lessor entitled to the relief sought, the court shall render immediately a judgment ordering the lessee to surrender possession of the leased property to the lessor.

E. If the lessee does not comply with the judgment within twenty-four hours after its rendition, the clerk of the court that rendered the judgment shall issue, upon written request, a writ of possession directed to and commanding the sheriff, constable, or marshal of any parish where the movable property may be located to seize and deliver possession of the leased property to the lessor.

Acts 1990, No. 344, §1.