HB708: What LA Landlords Need to Know About New Eviction Court Rules

Most real estate owners in East Baton Rouge Parish don't realize that a recent change in state law has quietly expanded their options for handling evictions. If you own rental property or manage leases in that parish, this matters to your bottom line.

Here's what happened: HB708, which authorizes concurrent jurisdiction for justice of the peace and city courts in East Baton Rouge Parish, includes a provision that fundamentally changes where small landlords can file eviction suits. Under §2586(C)(9) of the bill, justice of the peace courts now have jurisdiction over eviction cases involving monthly rent up to $5,000.

What This Means in Practice

Before this change, small landlords in East Baton Rouge Parish had limited options. Eviction cases typically had to be filed in city court, which meant higher filing fees, longer wait times, and often the need for an attorney experienced in that specific court system. For a landlord managing a handful of rental properties or a small commercial tenant space, those costs added up quickly.

Now, if your lease specifies monthly rent of $5,000 or less, you can file your eviction case in justice of the peace court instead. JP courts are designed to handle smaller disputes more quickly and with lower overhead. This translates to real savings: lower filing costs, potentially reduced attorney fees (many landlords can navigate JP court with less formal representation), and faster resolution of the dispute.

This is particularly significant for small business landlords and residential property owners who manage a modest portfolio. A single eviction that drags through the system can cost thousands in lost rent, legal fees, and court time. Shaving weeks or months off the process—and reducing filing and attorney costs—makes a material difference to cash flow.

The provision applies only to East Baton Rouge Parish and only to cases where monthly rent does not exceed $5,000. If your lease specifies higher rent, or if your property is outside East Baton Rouge Parish, the old rules still apply.

When It Takes Effect

The law became effective upon the governor's signature or expiration of the signing period, per Article III, Section 18 of the Louisiana Constitution. Property owners and managers should confirm the exact effective date with their local court or attorney, as the signing period can vary.

If you manage properties in East Baton Rouge Parish, now is a good time to review your lease agreements and understand which court has jurisdiction for each property. Having that information ready before a dispute arises means you can act quickly if an eviction becomes necessary.

This explainer is based on HB708, §2586(C)(9), Page 3. Property owners should consult a local attorney for guidance on their specific situation and to confirm current court procedures in East Baton Rouge Parish.