Missouri Eviction Notice

Types of Missouri Eviction Notice Forms

Missouri law recognizes several types of eviction notices, each with specific grounds and notice periods:

1. Notice To Quit for Unpaid Rent

   • Grounds: Nonpayment of rent.
   • Notice Period: Immediate; landlords may file this notice the day after rent is due, with no grace period.
   • Legal Reference: Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.010.

2. 10-Day Notice To Comply or Vacate

   • Grounds: Curable lease violations (e.g., health and safety issues, interfering with neighbors).
   • Notice Period: 10 calendar days to correct the violation or vacate.
   • Legal Reference: Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.040.

3. 5-Day Notice To Comply or Vacate

   • Grounds: Criminal activity on the premises by someone other than the tenant.
   • Notice Period: 5 judicial days (excluding weekends and holidays) to prove no knowledge or involvement in the violation.
   • Legal Reference: Not specifically cited but implied under general eviction laws.

4. 10-Day Notice To Vacate

   • Grounds: Incurable lease violations (e.g., illegal actions, unauthorized lease assignment).
   • Notice Period: 10 calendar days to vacate.
   • Legal Reference: Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.040.

5. 30-Day Notice To Vacate

   • Grounds: Termination of a periodic tenancy (e.g., month-to-month).
   • Notice Period: 30 calendar days.
   • Legal Reference: Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.060.

How to Write an Eviction Notice in Missouri

To ensure legal compliance, an eviction notice should include the following:

1. Tenant’s full name and address.
2. Specific lease violation and any balance due.
3. Date of termination.
4. Landlord’s printed name, signature, and address.
5. Date and method of notice delivery, including the printed name and signature of the person delivering the notice.

How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Missouri

Missouri law allows various methods for delivering an eviction notice, including:

• Hand delivery to the tenant.
• Hand delivery to an individual at least 18 years old on the property who can accept the notice on behalf of the tenant.

Eviction Process in Missouri

The eviction process involves several steps:

1. Provide Written Notice: The landlord must serve the appropriate eviction notice to the tenant, detailing the reason for eviction and the compliance deadline.
2. File for Eviction: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord can file a Petition for Rent and Possession or an unlawful detainer action in the local circuit court.
3. Attend the Hearing: Both parties attend a court hearing where the judge will issue a judgment.
4. Request a Writ of Possession: If the judgment favors the landlord, they can request a writ of possession, allowing law enforcement to remove the tenant if necessary.

Important Legal References

• Nonpayment of Rent: Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.020.
• Lease Violations: Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.040.
• Termination of Monthly Tenancy: Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.060.
• Grace Period for Rent Payment: No grace period for late rent payments (Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.010).

Statutes

• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 570.120(6)(2) – Returned Check Fees
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.650 – Master-metered multitenant dwelling, defined – heat-related utility service, delinquency, maintenance of service, how – receivership, when, procedure
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.234 – Tenant may deduct cost of repair of rental premises from rent, when – limitations
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.065 – Abandonment of rental premises, when, procedure
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.070 – No notice necessary, when
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.050 – Tenancy from year to year, how terminated
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.060(4) – Tenancy at will, sufferance, month to month, how terminated – judgment of eviction, how effectuated, landlord’s liability
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.740 – Immediate eviction ordered, when – immediate removal ordered, when
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(1) – Security deposits, limitation – holding of security deposits, requirements – return of deposit or notice of damages, when – withholding deposit, when – tenant’s right to damages – security deposit defined
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(2) – Security deposits, limitation – holding of security deposits, requirements – return of deposit or notice of damages, when – withholding deposit, when – tenant’s right to damages – security deposit defined
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(3) – Security deposits, limitation – holding of security deposits, requirements – return of deposit or notice of damages, when – withholding deposit, when – tenant’s right to damages – security deposit defined
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(4) – Security deposits, limitation – holding of security deposits, requirements – return of deposit or notice of damages, when – withholding deposit, when – tenant’s right to damages – security deposit defined
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(5) – Security deposits, limitation – holding of security deposits, requirements – return of deposit or notice of damages, when – withholding deposit, when – tenant’s right to damages – security deposit defined
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.010 – If rent be not paid as agreed, landlord may recover possession, how
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.020 – Illegal use of premises renders lease void
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.030 – Tenant not to assign without consent – nor violate conditions – nor commit waste
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.040 – Landlord may take possession, when – landlord liable, when, burden of proof
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.233(1) – Landlord’s unlawful removal or exclusion of tenant, liability – interruption of services, landlord’s liability
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.233(2) – Landlord’s unlawful removal or exclusion of tenant, liability – interruption of services, landlord’s liability
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.185 – Tenant to be furnished address of person managing property and address to receive notices and service of process – post office box address, procedure – violation, effect
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.236 – Disclosures required for transfer of property where methamphetamine production occurred
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 482.305 – Jurisdiction of small claims court
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.020 – Procedure to recover possession – filing of statement – issuance of summons – procedure
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.060 – Demand of rent good, when
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.110 – What action shall be commenced within ten years
• Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120 – What actions within five years