Adjudicated Property: What It Is and How to Clear Title

When a property fails to sell at a Louisiana tax sale and remains unpaid for multiple years, it becomes adjudicated to the local government. These properties can be acquired, but often come with significant title challenges. 

What Is Adjudicated Property? 

Under La. R.S. 47:2196, adjudicated property is property for which no bidder purchased the tax debt at the tax sale, and for which taxes have gone unpaid for at least five consecutive years. It is essentially held by the parish or municipality. 

The Acquisition Process 

Acquiring adjudicated property typically involves: 

• Submitting a purchase request to the local government 

• Public notice and advertisement 

• Parish council or board approval 

• Ability to pay cash in full at the time of acquisition.  

  
  

Clearing Title 

To sell or finance the property, investors must convert the adjudicated interest into merchantable title through: 

• A quiet title lawsuit, or 

• A Louisiana Compliance Affidavit process (if eligible) 

This legal step is essential before any improvements, resale, or financing can occur. 

At Title Stream, we handle both adjudicated acquisitions and title clearance procedures, giving investors a full-service legal solution for high-opportunity properties.