A provision in HB708 quietly shifted where small-rent eviction cases can be filed in East Baton Rouge Parish—potentially saving landlords time and money.
Most property owners and managers in East Baton Rouge Parish don't realize that a recent change in state law has altered where they can file eviction cases—and for many, it means access to a faster, cheaper court option they may not have considered before.
HB708, which authorizes concurrent jurisdiction for justice of the peace and city courts in East Baton Rouge Parish, contains a provision that expands the types of eviction cases justice of the peace (JP) courts can hear. Buried on page 3 under §2586(C)(9), this change affects how and where landlords pursue evictions for properties with monthly rent up to $5,000.
Previously, eviction jurisdiction in East Baton Rouge Parish was more limited. Now, justice of the peace courts—the lower-level courts that handle smaller civil matters—have concurrent jurisdiction with city courts for eviction actions on any lease with monthly rent not exceeding $5,000. This means landlords can choose to file in JP court instead of being limited to city court.
For context: justice of the peace courts typically operate with simpler procedures, lower filing fees, and faster timelines than district or city courts. They're designed to be more accessible and efficient for smaller disputes.
This change primarily benefits small to mid-sized property owners and management companies in East Baton Rouge Parish. If you own or manage residential or commercial properties where tenants pay $5,000 or less per month in rent, you now have a choice of courts for eviction filings.
This includes many small apartment buildings, single-family rental homes, small commercial spaces, and mixed-use properties. Larger commercial landlords with higher-rent tenants would not be affected—their cases would still fall outside JP court jurisdiction.
Filing in justice of the peace court can mean lower costs and faster resolution. JP courts typically charge lower filing fees than city courts and often move cases more quickly due to their simpler procedures. For a landlord trying to recover possession of a property and collect unpaid rent, speed and cost efficiency matter significantly.
However, this is a choice, not a requirement. Landlords can still file in city court if they prefer. The key is knowing the option exists and understanding which court might serve your situation better.
HB708 became effective upon the governor's signature or the expiration of the signing period, per Article III, Section 18 of the Louisiana Constitution. Property owners and managers in East Baton Rouge Parish should verify the effective date with their local court or legal counsel to ensure they're operating under current rules.
If you manage properties in East Baton Rouge Parish with monthly rents under $5,000, it's worth reviewing your eviction procedures and discussing with legal counsel whether filing in justice of the peace court makes sense for your portfolio.
Source: HB708, §2586(C)(9), Page 3; Louisiana Constitution Article III, Section 18