Missouri Eviction Laws
Missouri requires one month's written notice to terminate a month-to-month or at-will tenancy, but requires NO statutory notice period before filing an unlawful detainer action for nonpayment of rent -- the landlord need only have demanded payment and been refused.
Key Rules
- Notice Period
- 30 days for month-to-month tenancy
- Just Cause Required
- No statewide just-cause requirement
- Cure Or Quit Period
- No specific cure period in Missouri statutes
- Non Payment Notice
- No statutory notice period required -- section 535.020 expressly states the one-month notice under section 441.060 is NOT required before filing a nonpayment unlawful detainer action; the landlord need only have demanded payment and been refused
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Nonpayment of rent: when a tenant defaults on the payment of rent, the landlord may dispossess the tenant and all subtenants and recover possession of the premises, in the manner provided by this chapter (see the chapter's other sections for the applicable notice procedure). This section is limited to nonpayment; it does not itself authorize dispossession for holdover tenancy or other lease violations.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Month-to-month tenancy: either party may terminate with at least 30 days written notice.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Procedure for nonpayment-of-rent unlawful detainer: landlord files a verified statement with the associate circuit judge after demanding payment and being refused; the section expressly states that the 30-day notice required by section 441.060 is NOT required before filing this nonpayment action.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
Read the Full Eviction Laws Guide
Our comprehensive guide covers federal law, common defenses, real-world examples, and what to do if your rights are being violated.
Read the complete Eviction Laws guide →Need Personalized Guidance?
Our free wizard helps you identify your specific issue and find the right next steps.
Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.