You’ve given your tenant the required Notice to Vacate, the time is up, and they still haven’t left. Your next step is to take legal action by filing for eviction. But where you file is a critical detail. Filing at the wrong courthouse will get your case rejected, forcing you to start over and causing significant delays.
This guide will show you exactly where to file an eviction in Baton Rouge. 📍
The Primary Court for Baton Rouge Evictions 🏛️
For the vast majority of rental properties located within the city limits of Baton Rouge, the correct place to file for eviction is the:
Baton Rouge City Court
- Address: 233 St. Louis Street, Room 208, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
- What you’ll file: A lawsuit called a Petition for Eviction or Rule for Possession.
This court has jurisdiction over landlord-tenant disputes that occur inside the city’s official boundaries. Before you go, make sure you have your completed petition, a copy of your lease, proof of your notice delivery, and the required filing fees.
What if Your Property is Outside the City Limits?
This is a key distinction. If your rental property is located in East Baton Rouge Parish but outside the Baton Rouge city limits (for example, in parts of Central, Zachary, or unincorporated areas of the parish), you must file at the parish courthouse:
19th Judicial District Court
- Address: 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Filing at City Court for a parish property will result in a dismissal.
Pro-Tip: If you’re unsure whether your property falls under the city’s or parish’s jurisdiction, you can verify its location on the East Baton Rouge Parish Assessor’s Office website.
What Happens After You File? 🎯
Once your Petition for Eviction is filed at the correct courthouse, the clerk will set a hearing date. The next crucial step is service of process, where the tenant must be legally notified of the lawsuit.
This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a legal requirement. You must ensure the tenant receives a copy of the filed petition, which informs them when and where to appear in court. Failure to properly serve the tenant is one of the most common reasons for eviction delays.
Sources & Helpful Links
- Louisiana Eviction Notice to Quit Form (PDF): https://baton-rouge-process-servers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Louisiana-Eviction-Notice-to-Quit-Form.pdf
- Baton Rouge City Court: https://www.brcitycourt.org/
- 19th Judicial District Court: https://www.19thjdc.org/
- Louisiana State Bar Association (Pro Bono Eviction Resources): https://www.lsba.org/documents/Members/PandemicProBonoEvictions.pdf
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Jurisdictional rules can be complex. You should always consult with a qualified attorney in Louisiana to ensure you are filing correctly.
