Missouri Eviction Notice Overview
Missouri does not use a 7-day eviction notice and has no fixed statutory notice period for non-payment of rent. Under Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.010, landlords can file a rent and possession action once rent is overdue. The tenant receives notice through the court process (summons) rather than a pre-filing demand. This makes Missouri similar to Maryland in allowing immediate filing.
Missouri evictions are filed in Circuit Court, Associate Division. The process is called a 'rent and possession' action under Mo. Rev. Stat. Chapter 535. Missouri has 114 counties plus the City of St. Louis (an independent city). Jackson County (Kansas City), St. Louis County, and St. Louis City handle the highest eviction volumes. Missouri has very low filing fees which contributes to high filing rates.
No fixed Days
Notice period
$25 - $75
Filing fee
MO Code
Governing law
Circuit
Court level
Why Missouri Uses No fixed Days, Not 7
Missouri Has No Fixed Pre-Filing Notice Period
Missouri does not require a specific notice period before filing for non-payment of rent. The landlord may file a rent and possession action as soon as rent is overdue. The tenant receives notice through the court summons. For lease violations or month-to-month terminations, notice requirements vary.
Missouri Notice Periods at a Glance
- No Pre-Filing Notice — Non-Payment (§535.010): Landlord may file immediately when rent is overdue
- Lease-Based Notice — Lease Violations: Notice requirements follow the lease terms
- One Month Notice — Month-to-Month (§441.060): Either party must give one month notice to terminate
- 10-Day Notice — Written Lease Violations: For written lease violations, 10-day notice may apply
Missouri Notice Requirements
Missouri courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: No fixed days for non-payment as required by Missouri law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Missouri
Missouri law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Court Service (Summons)
For rent and possession actions, the court serves the tenant with the summons and complaint. No separate pre-filing service is needed.
Personal Delivery (for lease violation notices)
If serving a lease violation or termination notice, hand-deliver to the tenant.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail for lease violation or termination notices.
Posting
Post on the premises and mail a copy when personal delivery is not possible.
Missouri Eviction Timeline
The Missouri eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
File rent and possession action in Circuit Court (no pre-filing notice needed for non-payment)
Court serves tenant with summons; trial date set at least 4 days from service
Trial held; if landlord prevails, judgment for possession and rent owed
Execution issued after waiting period; tenant has time to appeal
Sheriff enforces removal under the execution
Missouri evictions are relatively fast due to no pre-filing notice requirement. Uncontested cases take 2-5 weeks. Contested cases take 4-10 weeks. Kansas City (Jackson County) and St. Louis City/County may have longer wait times. Missouri allows landlords to recover unpaid rent in the same action.
Missouri Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Missouri Circuit Court (Associate Division). Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Filing Fee | $25 - $75 |
| Service of Process (Sheriff) | $20 - $50 |
| Execution Fee | $20 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $400 - $1,500 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $75 - $150 |
Sample Missouri Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Missouri-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.010.
NOTICE OF LEASE VIOLATION
STATE OF MISSOURI
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. Ch. 535
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Missouri Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
For non-payment of rent, Missouri does not require a pre-filing notice — the landlord files directly in Circuit Court. This notice is for lease violations: You have [Number] DAYS to cure the violation or vacate.
MISSOURI COMPLIANCE NOTE
Missouri has no fixed pre-filing notice period for non-payment — the landlord may file a rent and possession action immediately under §535.010. For lease violations, notice requirements depend on the lease terms.