Eviction Law in Missouri
A tenant who won’t follow the lease isn’t just a frustration—it’s a financial liability. In Missouri, landlords have legal protections, but enforcing them requires you to follow a structured process. If you move too fast—or skip a step—you risk having your case dismissed.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we can help connect you with a Missouri attorney who knows the system. They can guide you from notice to court filing and everything in between.
What Is an Eviction?
Evictions are rarely simple, even when a tenant has violated the lease. Whether the issue is unpaid rent or repeated lease violations, Missouri law requires landlords to follow a specific legal process before removing someone from the property.
In many cases, an eviction notice acts as a final warning rather than a guaranteed removal. If your tenant pays what they owe or agrees to follow the lease terms, you may be able to avoid court altogether.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
If your Missouri tenant is constantly late on rent—or has stopped paying altogether—you may have legal grounds to begin the eviction process. Occasional delays happen, but when late payments become a habit, it creates financial strain and disrupts your ability to manage the property.
While some states provide a statutory grace period, Missouri law does not. That means rent is legally considered late the day after it’s due unless your lease says otherwise. Because there’s no built-in grace period, landlords in Missouri have more flexibility to act quickly when rent isn’t paid on time.
To protect yourself, make sure you send a written notice every time rent is late. Keep copies of all communications, including payment records and any agreements to delay rent or waive fees.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
When a tenant signs a lease in Missouri, they’re agreeing to follow its rules—and violating those terms could open the door to eviction. Whether it’s unauthorized occupants, prohibited pets, or violating noise limits, any breach of the lease may justify serving notice.
Keep in mind, that lease obligations apply to both parties. As a landlord, you’re also bound by what’s written in the contract. That includes providing necessary repairs, maintaining common areas, or any other responsibilities outlined in the agreement.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Not all property damage is the same. Everyday wear and tear—like worn carpet or scuffed paint—comes with the territory. But there’s a clear line between normal use and intentional or severe destruction. If a tenant breaks windows, punches holes in walls, or damages fixtures beyond repair, that may justify eviction under Missouri law.
Still, not every incident should trigger immediate action. If a tenant takes responsibility, makes necessary repairs, and doesn’t alter the unit without permission, eviction may not be warranted. Documenting damage and communication around it is key. If the situation escalates, you’ll need proof to support your case in court.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
If your tenant is using the rental unit to engage in criminal activity—like drug trafficking, illegal weapons sales, or other serious offenses—you have clear legal grounds to pursue eviction in Missouri. In cases like these, notifying law enforcement is usually the first step, and it can also support your case in housing court.
That said, you’ll still need evidence to show the property was used for illegal purposes. Police reports, witness statements, or inspection records can help build your case.
How to Evict a Tenant in Missouri
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Eviction laws in Missouri are shaped by both state statutes and, in some cases, local ordinances. That means before you take any steps toward removing a tenant, you need to understand the legal framework that applies in your area. Landlords must always have a valid legal reason for eviction—and skipping any step in the process can result in delays or even dismissal.
Under Missouri law, a tenant who fails to pay rent on time or violates the lease in any meaningful way is at risk of losing their right to stay. When the issue is nonpayment, tenants can usually avoid eviction by paying what they owe before the landlord files the case in court.
In some situations, Missouri landlords aren’t required to offer tenants a chance to fix the problem. You can issue a 10-day notice to vacate without any obligation to allow the tenant to correct the violation. And even if the tenant tries to make things right afterward, the eviction can still move forward.
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
If your tenant continues to ignore the lease agreement—even after multiple warnings—it may be time to move forward with a formal eviction notice. This document serves as a final opportunity for them to make things right. Be specific about the violation and spell out exactly what steps the tenant can take to avoid further legal action.
Your notice should include a clear deadline to either correct the issue or move out. If rent is overdue, list the full amount owed. If you’re unsure about how to word the notice, it’s a good idea to use a trusted legal template or consult with an attorney who understands Missouri eviction procedures.
Missouri law is stricter than most when it comes to nonpayment of rent. Landlords aren’t required to give advance notice before filing for eviction in these cases. All that’s legally required is a demand for payment—there’s no mandated format, and no specific method of delivery is outlined in the statute.
For other types of lease violations, however, the rules are more structured. Landlords must provide a written ten-day notice to vacate. While there’s no official template, the notice should explain why the tenant is being asked to leave, whether they have the option to fix the issue, and the final deadline. It must be served in person to the tenant or to someone in the household who’s at least 15 years old.
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
Once you’ve issued the notice and waited the legally required period (if any), the next step is to file a formal eviction case with the court. In Missouri, most eviction cases go through the local Circuit Court. In larger areas—like Jackson County—there may be a dedicated division that handles landlord-tenant disputes.
After filing, the court will assign a hearing date and issue a summons to notify the tenant. This gives them a chance to appear and present their side.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Missouri Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
You don’t want to walk into court unprepared. Hiring an experienced Missouri eviction attorney early in the process can help you avoid costly mistakes and make sure everything is handled by the book. Your attorney can also help organize your evidence and guide you through the hearing.
Make sure you bring all relevant documents to support your claim, including:
- A copy of the signed lease agreement
- A ledger or record of rental payments
- Any returned or bounced checks
- Text messages, emails, or written notes exchanged with the tenant
- A copy of the eviction notice
- Proof that the tenant received the eviction notice properly
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
If the court rules in your favor, the tenant won’t be forced out immediately—but the clock starts ticking. Missouri law typically gives tenants a short window—usually between 48 hours and 7 days—to leave voluntarily. If they remain past the deadline, you have the right to contact local law enforcement to carry out the eviction.
Don’t attempt to remove the tenant yourself, as that could backfire legally. Let the sheriff handle the physical removal.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
Winning the eviction case doesn’t always mean the financial issues are behind you. If the tenant still owes you back rent, you may have to take additional steps to collect what you’re owed. While it can take time and effort, there are legal tools available to recover the debt. Your options may include:
- Hiring a collections agency to pursue payment
- Filing to garnish the tenant’s wages through a court order
- Requesting a garnishment of their state or federal tax refund
- Filing a separate lawsuit in Missouri small claims court
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Missouri
Missouri tenants may try to argue that you failed to follow the proper legal steps—especially if the eviction notice was missing key details or served incorrectly. That’s why having an experienced Missouri attorney in your corner is so important. They’ll make sure every notice, filing, and court appearance is handled by the book.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across Missouri state lines.
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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