Missouri Eviction Overview
Missouri Has No Standard 10-Day Period
Missouri does not have a fixed statutory notice period for most eviction situations. Under RSMo Chapter 535, landlords can file for non-payment immediately after rent is overdue. For lease violations, notice depends on the lease terms and whether the tenancy is periodic. Kansas City and St. Louis have additional local requirements. A 10-day notice only applies if your lease specifically provides for it.
Missouri's eviction law is spread across several chapters of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo). Chapter 535 covers "Rent and Possession" actions for non-payment. Chapter 534 covers "Unlawful Detainer" for holdover tenants. Chapter 441 covers general landlord-tenant obligations. This fragmented statutory framework makes Missouri one of the more confusing states for evictions, especially since local ordinances in Kansas City and St. Louis add further requirements.
Missouri is generally considered landlord-friendly at the state level, but the major cities have enacted tenant protection measures that shift the balance. Kansas City's 2019 Tenant Protection Ordinance requires pre-filing notice, limits late fees, and mandates rental property registration. St. Louis has similar protections. Landlords operating in these cities must comply with both state and local requirements.
Varies
No fixed period
$25-$50
Filing fee
Check Lease
Notice per lease terms
2-4 wks
Typical process
Missouri's Notice Periods
| Grounds | Notice Period | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Non-payment (state level) | None required (file immediately) | RSMo §535.010 |
| Non-payment (Kansas City) | Written notice required before filing | KC Tenant Protection Ord. |
| Month-to-month termination | One full rental period (30 days) | RSMo §441.060 |
| Lease violation | Per lease terms (no statutory default) | Lease agreement |
| Holdover after lease expires | No notice required | RSMo §534.030 |
RSMo Chapter 535 Requirements
When 10 Days Might Apply in Missouri
A 10-day period applies in Missouri only when the lease specifies it. Many professionally drafted Missouri leases include a 10-day cure period for rent payment or violations. Since Missouri has no statutory minimum notice period for non-payment, any lease-specified period (including 10 days) is enforceable. Always check your lease before determining the notice period. In Kansas City, also check the Tenant Protection Ordinance requirements.
General Notice Requirements
- Check Your Lease: Missouri's notice requirements are primarily determined by the lease terms, not statute
- Check Local Ordinances: Kansas City and St. Louis have additional notice and registration requirements
- Written Notice: Even though state law does not mandate a notice for non-payment, written notice is always recommended and may be required by the lease
- Specific Amount: State the exact rent amount owed and any applicable late fees
- Property Identification: Include the full address of the rental property
- Landlord Contact: Missouri requires landlords to disclose their name and address per RSMo §535.185
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Missouri
Review Your Lease and Local Ordinances
Determine what notice your lease requires and whether Kansas City or St. Louis local rules add requirements
Prepare and Serve Written Notice
Hand deliver or mail the notice as required by your lease. Keep proof of delivery. Certified mail provides the best evidence
Wait for Notice Period (If Applicable)
If your lease or local law requires notice, wait for the full period to expire before filing in court
File Rent and Possession Action
File in Associate Circuit Court in the county where the property is located. Pay the filing fee ($25-$50). The court will schedule a hearing
Missouri Eviction Timeline
Missouri's eviction process is generally fast. For non-payment at the state level (outside KC and STL), a landlord can file immediately. The court schedules a hearing within 7 to 21 days. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession and the tenant typically has 10 days to vacate.
If the tenant does not leave after 10 days, the court issues an Execution (writ of possession) and the sheriff physically removes the tenant. Total time for an uncontested case: 2 to 4 weeks.
In Kansas City and St. Louis, the timeline may be longer due to higher case volumes and local notice requirements. Contested cases statewide can take 4 to 8 weeks, and appeals add 30 to 60 days. Missouri allows appeals from Associate Circuit Court to Circuit Court, which provides a de novo review.
Missouri Filing Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent and Possession Filing | $25 - $50 |
| Service of Process (Sheriff) | $25 - $60 |
| Execution (Writ of Possession) | $50 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal to Circuit Court | $75 - $150 |
Sample Missouri Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Missouri eviction notice. Since Missouri has no mandatory statutory notice for non-payment, this template follows common lease provisions.
NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
STATE OF MISSOURI
Pursuant to Lease Agreement and RSMo Chapter 535
TO:
Tenant: [Full Legal Name]
Premises: [Property Address, City, MO]
NOTICE:
You are notified that $_____ in rent is past due. Per the terms of your lease, you have [lease-specified days] to pay in full or vacate the premises. Failure to comply will result in Rent and Possession proceedings in Missouri Associate Circuit Court.
MISSOURI LAW
This notice is provided pursuant to RSMo Chapter 535 and the terms of your lease agreement. Missouri law prohibits self-help evictions (RSMo §441.233).