Missouri 60-Day Notice Overview
Missouri does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under Mo. Rev. Stat. 441.060, a month-to-month tenancy can be terminated with at least one month's notice before the termination date. Missouri's landlord-tenant laws are spread across several statutory chapters and vary between Kansas City, St. Louis, and the rest of the state.
Missouri is generally landlord-friendly with no statewide rent control and no just-cause eviction requirements. However, Kansas City has enacted local tenant protections. Security deposits are capped at two months' rent under Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.300. The eviction process through Associate Circuit Courts is moderately efficient across the state.
30 Days
Statutory default
$35-$75
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
2-4 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Missouri
Since Missouri's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many Missouri property management companies include 60-day non-renewal clauses. When the lease specifies 60 days, the contractual obligation overrides the statutory minimum under Mo. Rev. Stat. 441.060.
MHDC Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) and local PHAs frequently require 60-90 days notice before termination of subsidized tenancies.
Kansas City Tenant Protections
Kansas City has enacted a Tenant Bill of Rights with additional protections. Landlords in Kansas City should check local ordinances. Providing 60 days notice is prudent best practice in the KC metro market.
Missouri Legal Requirements
Missouri's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
Missouri Varies by Jurisdiction
Missouri's landlord-tenant landscape varies between jurisdictions. Kansas City enacted a Tenant Bill of Rights with additional protections. St. Louis has its own eviction procedures through Associate Circuit Court. Rural Missouri follows standard state law. Landlords should verify both state and local requirements before serving any notice to terminate a tenancy.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: Mo. Rev. Stat. 441.060 requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient for residential tenancy terminations in Missouri
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including city, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the end of the monthly rental period
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, Missouri mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.300 requires return within 30 days with an itemized statement. Deposits capped at two months' rent
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Missouri
Proper service is critical in Missouri. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a Missouri-specific template referencing Mo. Rev. Stat. 441.060. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. Missouri courts prefer personal service. Use a process server or witness
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt. Missouri accepts mailed service for landlord-tenant notices
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Rent and Possession Action
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in Associate Circuit Court where the property is located
Missouri Eviction Timeline
Missouri's eviction process uses a Rent and Possession action filed in Associate Circuit Court under Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.010. After filing, the court issues a summons. The tenant has a brief period to respond to the complaint.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. Missouri grants a 10-day stay of execution after judgment. If the tenant does not vacate, the sheriff enforces the writ of execution.
Total court timeline: 2-4 weeks uncontested, 4-8 weeks contested. Jackson County (Kansas City) and the City of St. Louis have the heaviest caseloads. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 10-16 weeks.
Missouri Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Missouri vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Associate Circuit Filing | $35 - $75 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees | $400 - $1,500 |
| Writ of Execution | $20 - $40 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $150 |
Sample Missouri 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Missouri-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF MISSOURI
Pursuant to Mo. Rev. Stat. 441.060
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Missouri Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
MISSOURI COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 30 days of vacating per Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.300, with an itemized statement of deductions. Please provide a forwarding address upon vacating.