Missouri Eviction Notice Overview
Missouri has no fixed statutory cure period for lease violations. Under Mo. Rev. Stat. §441.040, a landlord may file for eviction (called "rent and possession" action) after providing "reasonable" notice or as specified in the lease agreement. Missouri does not have a comprehensive residential landlord-tenant act, and the eviction statutes are found in Chapter 441 (Landlord and Tenant) and Chapter 534 (Actions to Recover Possession) of the Missouri Revised Statutes.
Missouri’s eviction process varies significantly between Kansas City, St. Louis, and outstate counties. Jackson County (Kansas City) and St. Louis City have their own Associate Circuit Courts that handle high eviction volumes. For non-payment of rent, no notice is required before filing—the landlord can file suit immediately after rent is overdue. For lease violations, the lease agreement typically specifies the cure period. If the lease is silent, courts expect "reasonable" notice.
No Fixed
Statutory minimum
$25–$125
Circuit Court filing
Written
Notice required
3–6 Wks
Total process
Missouri Has No Fixed Cure Period
Missouri does not prescribe a specific cure period for lease violations. Under §441.040, the landlord’s remedies depend on the lease terms and the type of violation. Many Missouri leases include a 14-day or 30-day cure provision, which the landlord must honor. If the lease is silent on the cure period, courts apply a reasonableness standard. For non-payment, no notice is required—the landlord can file a rent and possession action as soon as rent is late.
Missouri Notice Periods
No notice required: Non-payment of rent — landlord may file immediately
Lease terms control: Cure period for violations is contractual, not statutory
Reasonable notice: Applied when the lease is silent on cure period
Month-to-month: One rental period’s notice for termination without cause
Immediate action: Drug-related or criminal activity on the premises
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Missouri
- Any lease term violation may trigger proceedings
- Unauthorized pets, occupants, or subletting
- Property damage or noise complaints
- Non-payment of rent (no notice needed)
- Holdover after lease expiration
- Criminal or drug-related activity
Missouri Legal Requirements
Missouri courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice Recommended: While not always required, written notice strengthens the landlord’s case
- Lease Compliance: If the lease specifies a cure period, the landlord must follow it exactly
- Specific Violation: Describe the breach to satisfy any lease notice provision
- Demand to Cure or Vacate: State what the tenant must do and by when
- Property Address and Landlord Info: Include full address, landlord name, and contact
Serving the Notice in Missouri
Proper service is critical in Missouri. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Missouri does not have strict statutory service requirements for pre-filing notices.
Post and Mail
Post on door and mail a copy for documentation.
Certified Mail
Use certified mail for proof of delivery.
Missouri Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Missouri, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Missouri Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Missouri. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Associate Circuit Court Filing | $25 – $125 |
| Sheriff Service | $20 – $45 |
| Writ of Execution | $25 – $50 |
| Sheriff Execution | $50 – $100 |
| Attorney Fees | $400 – $1,500 |
Sample Missouri Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Missouri-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under MO law.
NOTICE TO CURE LEASE VIOLATION
STATE OF MISSOURI
Per Lease Agreement and Mo. Rev. Stat. §441.040
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Missouri Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You are in violation of your rental agreement as described above. You must cure this violation within fourteen (14) days or vacate the premises. Failure to comply will result in the filing of a rent and possession action in the Circuit Court.