Baton Rouge, LA Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Baton Rouge, LA, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Just-cause eviction law
- None (state or local)
- Month-to-month notice
- 10 days, no reason required
- Fixed-term eviction notice
- 5-day Notice to Vacate
- Governing law
- Louisiana Civil Code Arts. 2686–2742
- Self-help eviction
- Prohibited; landlord liable for damages
Summary
Baton Rouge has no local just-cause eviction ordinance. Louisiana state law governs evictions and does not require landlords to show cause for terminating month-to-month tenancies. Landlords may terminate without reason on 10 days' notice for month-to-month leases.
Security Deposits are addressed in LSA-R.S. 9:3251 and it requires Landlord to returned to a Tenant within one month after the lease terminates, except a Landlord may retain any or all of the security deposit to remedy a default of the Tenant, such as the Tenant's failure to return the property in its original condition less reasonable wear and tear.
Full Breakdown
Louisiana Civil Code Arts. 2686–2742 govern residential leases statewide. No just-cause eviction requirement exists at the state or Baton Rouge local level. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords may terminate without reason by giving 10 days' written notice. For fixed-term leases, legal cause, nonpayment, lease violation, or criminal activity, is required, plus a 5-day Notice to Vacate before filing in Baton Rouge City Court. Louisiana does not permit local rent control or just-cause eviction ordinances. The Baton Rouge City Court Civil Division handles eviction proceedings via a Rule to Evict form. A local Tenant Protection Ordinance addresses habitability but does not create just-cause eviction rights.
Violations & Fines
There are no penalties on landlords for lacking just cause; however, improper self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings) is illegal and can expose landlords to damages under Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2692.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me without giving a reason in Baton Rouge?
Does Baton Rouge have any tenant protections against sudden eviction?
Where do I contest an eviction in Baton Rouge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baton Rouge
Compare Baton Rouge to another location·View the Louisiana rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.