Baton Rouge Eviction Court Steps 2026–27: The 5-Day Notice, City Court's Rule to Evict and the 24-Hour Deadline
Louisiana has one of the fastest eviction processes in the country. In Baton Rouge, a landlord can file just five business days after giving notice, sometimes with no notice at all, and if you lose in court you can have as little as 24 hours to move out. Even an appeal won't stop the eviction unless you take specific steps within that same 24 hours.
This guide explains each stage of an eviction in Baton Rouge City Court, what tenants can do at each one, and where to find free legal help.
Last checked October 2026. Sources: Baton Rouge City Court's Eviction Procedure Guidelines (revised November 26, 2024) and the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure articles printed with them; the City Court's Evictions page with landlord and tenant notes; and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services' Baton Rouge Eviction Help Desk flyer. This is general information, not legal advice.
The Short Version
Notice to Vacate: at least 5 days (City Court counts business days, not weekends or holidays). Many leases waive this notice.
Rule to Evict: the landlord files in Baton Rouge City Court. The constable serves you.
Hearing: about two weeks after filing, in Courtroom 309, and never earlier than the third day after you're served.
Judgment: if you lose or don't show up, the judge rules immediately.
24 hours: if you're still there 24 hours after judgment, the court issues a warrant for possession and the constable can clear the unit.
Appeal: only stops the eviction if you answered under oath with a defense, and filed the appeal and bond within 24 hours.
Baton Rouge City Court handles evictions for rental property located within the City of Baton Rouge.
Step 1: The Notice to Vacate
Under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 4701, when a tenant's right to stay ends, whether because the lease expired, rent wasn't paid or for another reason, the landlord must deliver a written notice to vacate giving you at least five days from delivery to leave.
City Court's guidelines for landlords add details that help you check whether your notice was done right:
It should say you have five days from delivery, not give a specific move-out date.
Weekends and holidays don't count toward the five days.
It should list the delivery or posting date, your name, the address and the reasons for the eviction.
It must be signed by the landlord and a witness, and handed to you in front of that witness, posted on your door with the witness, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
The lease waiver
Article 4701 lets a tenant waive the notice requirement in a written lease. City Court notes this waiver is in most Louisiana leases. If your lease has one, the landlord can file right away once your right to stay ends.
But City Court's landlord and tenant notes say the waiver should be for the full five days, not a shorter period like three days or two days. They also say that if a landlord with a waiver gives you a "notice to vacate" anyway, the landlord has "waived the waiver" and must wait the five days.
Paying after the notice
The court's notes say that when a notice to vacate is given for nonpayment, the landlord's acceptance of rent after the notice cancels its effect and you stay. Partial payment is different: a landlord can accept a partial payment and still go forward with the eviction for the unpaid balance.
What to do now: Read your lease for a waiver clause. Contact Southeast Louisiana Legal Services right away (details below), and if you can pay, find out from your landlord in writing whether they'll accept it.
Step 2: The Rule to Evict
If you haven't moved within five working days, the landlord can file a Rule to Evict with the Clerk of Court, Baton Rouge City Court. The landlord must attach the lease and the signed notice to vacate (and the certified mail receipt, if used). The court cost listed in the guidelines is $161 for one defendant.
City Court has the City Constable serve you with notice that you're being sued for eviction and the date to appear if you want to contest it. The guidelines say the court date is usually about two weeks after the suit is filed.
Under Article 4732, the hearing can't be set earlier than the third day after you're served.
Step 3: The Hearing in Courtroom 309
Hearings are held at Baton Rouge City Court, Courtroom 309, 233 St. Louis Street. The judge will hear the case and "any defense which is made."
Important points:
Show up. Under Article 4732, if you fail to appear, the court will immediately enter a judgment of eviction.
The landlord must prove notice. If the notice was handed to you or posted, the landlord must bring a witness who will testify under oath that they saw it delivered.
Bring your evidence: the lease, rent receipts, money order stubs, texts and any proof of payment or repair requests.
Dress code: City Court lists proper attire, with no tank tops, shorts, cutoffs or sagging pants, and no cell phones in the building.
Settling at the hearing
City Court's notes give examples where a tenant comes to court with the rent, late fees and court costs and the landlord accepts the money, so the case is dismissed. If you have most but not all of what you owe, the notes say the court can enter a stipulated or consent judgment: if you do what you agreed, you stay; if you don't, the landlord can evict. Ask about this before the judge rules.
Answer under oath to protect your appeal
If you have a real defense, file a written answer under oath. Article 4735 says an appeal does not stop an eviction unless you answered the rule under oath, pleading an affirmative defense that entitles you to stay. Legal aid can help you prepare it.
Step 4: The Judgment and the 24-Hour Clock
If the judge rules for the landlord, the judgment of eviction is entered immediately and stays effective for at least 90 days.
Under Article 4733, if you haven't moved out within 24 hours after the judgment, the court issues a warrant for possession. City Court tells landlords that they can then call the Constable's Office to arrange for it to be carried out.
Under Article 4734, the constable carries out the warrant with two witnesses by clearing the property of everything in it, and can break open locked doors or windows if needed. Make a plan for your belongings before the hearing.
Step 5: Appeal
An appeal stops an eviction only if all of these happen (Article 4735):
You answered the rule under oath, pleading an affirmative defense
You applied for the appeal within 24 hours of the judgment
You filed the appeal bond set by the court within those 24 hours
The bond is set at an amount meant to protect the landlord from losses during the appeal. Because of the short window, talk to a lawyer before your hearing if you think you may need to appeal.
Free Legal Help in Baton Rouge
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) runs a Baton Rouge Eviction Help Desk. Its flyer says not to wait for court: contact SLLS as soon as you get an eviction notice.
Help Desk: Baton Rouge City Court, 233 St. Louis St., outside Courtroom 309, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Office: 715 St. Ferdinand St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-448-0080
Apply online: slls.org
The flyer we reviewed is from 2024, so call to confirm the help desk hours.
Baton Rouge City Court Civil Division: (225) 389-3017. Note that the court says not to call asking for legal advice about your situation.
Closing Thoughts
In Baton Rouge, the clock is short at every step: five business days of notice (or none, if your lease waives it), about two weeks to a hearing, and just 24 hours after a judgment. The most important moves are to check your lease and notice, get to SLLS early, show up in Courtroom 309 with your evidence, and, if you have a defense, answer under oath so an appeal is possible.
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