Missouri does not require landlords to change or re-key locks after a tenant moves out. Missouri law does not regulate a tenant changing locks, and there's no parallel statute mandating that landlords re-key between tenancies the way Illinois does. That said, just because the law doesn't require it doesn't mean you should skip it — more on that below.

No legal mandate doesn't mean no risk. If a former tenant has a key and comes back to steal or damage the unit, you're in a tough spot — legally and practically. Changing locks between tenants is cheap insurance. If you want to put the option in the tenant's hands instead, you can — Missouri tenants can change locks without permission if the lease doesn't say otherwise, so you can build that right into your lease and require them to provide you a copy of the new key. That way you're covered either way.

Make sure whatever approach you choose is spelled out clearly in your lease.

Missouri doesn't punish you by statute for skipping this step the way Illinois does. But if a former tenant retained a key and something goes wrong — theft, vandalism, unauthorized entry — you could still face civil liability depending on the circumstances. Don't let penny-pinching on a $50 re-key turn into a costly dispute.

Once you've served the proper notice and the tenant hasn't left or paid up, you can file in court. The landlord can file a Petition for Rent and Possession or an Unlawful Detainer case in the circuit court of the county where the property is located — the correct filing depends on whether the eviction involves unpaid rent, a breach of the lease, or a tenant who refuses to leave after the lease expires.

Filing fees vary by county but typically range from $40 to $100.

The Summons

After the landlord files the complaint, the clerk of the circuit court will issue a summons. The summons includes the date of the court hearing the tenant must attend, which typically will be scheduled no more than 21 business days from the date the summons was issued.

Important: Missouri law does not allow landlords to serve these documents themselves. The summons must be directed to the sheriff's office, and the sheriff will serve the summons alongside a copy of the complaint to the tenant at least four days before the court hearing date.

Unlike Illinois, Missouri doesn't have a specific "Unknown Occupants" requirement baked into the summons form — but you should still identify all known adult occupants as defendants to make sure the sheriff can remove everyone, not just the named tenant.

Who pays to change the locks? You can charge the tenant for re-keying costs — either as a move-out deduction from the security deposit or as a lease term. Re-keying locks if a tenant fails to return all keys is a permitted security deposit deduction under Missouri law. Just make sure the amount is reasonable and documented.

Can I change the locks to force a tenant out? No. Self-help evictions, such as changing the locks without going through the courts, are prohibited in Missouri. Do it the right way or it'll cost you more in the long run.

What if there's an emergency — drugs, violence, serious damage? An immediate eviction in Missouri may be ordered under certain circumstances, including drug-related criminal activity on the premises. Talk to us before acting on your own.

Petition for Rent and Possession -
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Missouri Revised Statutes, Title 29, Chapters 441 and 535 — mo.gov/mosl

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