Missouri's Rent and Possession procedure requires no pre-filing notice for non-payment cases. One of the faster states for these.
Missouri's eviction process is called Rent and Possession (for non-payment) or Unlawful Detainer (for other violations) and is governed by Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 535 and 534. Cases are filed in associate circuit court at the county level. Missouri is generally landlord-friendly with reasonably efficient procedures. Uncontested cases typically conclude within four to six weeks.
Rent and Possession cases are filed in the associate circuit court of the county where the property is located. Missouri has 115 counties (114 plus the City of St. Louis), each with its own associate circuit court structure. The St. Louis metro area and Kansas City metro area handle the highest case volumes.
For non-payment of rent under the Rent and Possession procedure, Missouri does not require pre-filing notice (RSMo. 535.020). The landlord can file directly when rent is unpaid. Many landlords issue a courtesy demand notice but it is not legally required for the Rent and Possession procedure.
For Unlawful Detainer cases involving lease violations or holdover tenants, Missouri requires written notice. The notice period varies based on the violation type and lease terms. Generally 10 days for material violations of monthly tenancies; longer periods may apply for other situations.
For month-to-month tenancies without cause, Missouri requires one full rental period notice — typically 30 days. Deliver notices by personal service, posting and mailing, or certified mail.
For non-payment, file a Rent and Possession complaint in the associate circuit court of the property's county. Filing fees in Missouri are typically $80 to $130. Service is performed by the sheriff. For other violations, file an Unlawful Detainer action.
The hearing is typically scheduled within 7 to 21 days of filing. The tenant must answer or appear — failure to do so results in default judgment.
Missouri associate circuit court hearings in eviction cases follow standard civil procedure. Bring your lease, your rent ledger, any notice you served, and documentation supporting the case. The judge will hear both sides and typically issue a ruling at the hearing.
If you prevail, the court issues judgment for possession. There is typically a stay period before execution. Tenants can appeal to circuit court but must post bond.
Jackson County, anchored by Kansas City, is Missouri's most populous county and includes most of the Missouri side of the Kansas City metro area. Jackson County eviction filings go to the Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City or the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse in Independence. The Kansas City rental market has been growing steadily.
St. Louis County (separate from the City of St. Louis) is Missouri's most populous county by population — the city and county are separate political entities. St. Louis County eviction filings go to the St. Louis County Courts in Clayton. The City of St. Louis files eviction cases at the St. Louis Circuit Court. Both metro areas have active rental markets and consistent case volumes. For detailed landlord-tenant law specific to each jurisdiction — including the city/county distinction and local procedures — see Jackson County landlord-tenant law and St. Louis County landlord-tenant law.
Missouri's lack of pre-filing notice for Rent and Possession cases makes it one of the faster states for non-payment evictions. The City of St. Louis vs. St. Louis County distinction is essential for filing in the right court. See the full Missouri landlord-tenant law guide for notice templates, security deposit rules, and county-specific information across all 115 Missouri jurisdictions.
Once judgment for possession is final and any stay period has passed, the sheriff executes the order. Execution typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Be present with a locksmith.
Missouri law provides procedures for handling tenant property left behind. Provide notice and reasonable opportunity for retrieval before disposal. Document everything with photographs and inventory.