For Missouri Landlords Only
This guide applies to Missouri law. Rules vary by county and city.
⚡ Quick Summary
To evict a month-to-month tenant in Missouri:
Serve a Notice to Terminate Tenancy that ends on the last day of the current or next rental period
Notice must give at least one full month — not just 30 days from today
Have someone 18+ serve it
You legally can, but if the tenant denies it, it's your word against theirs
Complete the Affidavit of Service
Wait until the deadline passes
File an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit if they don't leave (ask us about flat rate evictions)
🗓️ The One-Month Notice Explained
Missouri law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.060) requires written notice of at least one month prior to the end of the monthly rental period. This is not simply "30 days from today."
💡 Pro Tip: The notice must end on the last day of a rental period and give at least one full month.
Example (rent due on the 1st):
Served Sept 30 → Ends Oct 31 ✅
Served Oct 1 → Ends Nov 30 ✅
Served Oct 2 → Ends Nov 30 ❌ (not a full month's notice)
Best Practice:
Write the exact move-out date in the notice.
The clock starts when the notice is served — not when you fill it out.
As always, check local ordinances.
📬 How to Serve the Notice
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.020, a notice to terminate may be served by:
Personally delivering it to the tenant;
Leaving it with any member of the tenant's family over the age of 15 residing on the premises; or
Posting a copy in a conspicuous place on the leased premises AND mailing a copy to the tenant by first-class mail.
🚩 Don't serve the notice yourself. Anyone 18+ can do it, but whoever serves it may need to testify in court. A third-party server is much stronger than your own word.
✍️ Complete the Affidavit of Service
You'll need proof that the tenant received the notice. Have the person who served the tenant complete the Affidavit of Service form. Keep the completed form in your file — you'll use it as evidence in court. Without proof of service, your case may be dismissed.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
The notice period begins the day after the tenant is served. Count forward one full month to the end of the rental period. Weekends and holidays are included.
⚖️ File an Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit
If the tenant doesn't move out by the deadline, you must file an Unlawful Detainer action in the Associate Circuit Court for the county where the property is located (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.010 et seq.). If you want a lawyer to help, connect with a good one here.
🚫 When No Notice is Required
If the lease is for a fixed term (e.g., one year) and clearly states when the term expires, no further notice is required to terminate. The tenancy ends on the stated date. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.060)
❓ FAQs
Can I slip the notice under the door?
No. Missouri requires personal delivery, leaving it with a qualifying household member, or posting-plus-mailing. Sliding under the door does not satisfy any of these methods.
Can I serve the notice myself?
Not smart. Whoever served the notice may need to testify at trial. Even a mediocre tenant's attorney will challenge your self-serving testimony. Use a third party.
Can the tenant get more than one month?
Possibly. The notice must give a full month prior to the end of the rental period. If you're even one day late, the effective date pushes to the end of the following month. When in doubt, hire a lawyer.
Do I need a reason to evict a month-to-month tenant?
No. Missouri does not require just cause to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (absent applicable local ordinance). Simply serve the notice — and don't volunteer a reason.
📄 Forms
Notice to Terminate Tenancy — Sets the end date and move-out deadline
Affidavit of Service — Confirms someone served the notice
📜 Relevant Missouri Laws
One-Month Notice Requirement — Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.060
Service of Notice — Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.020
Unlawful Detainer — Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.010 et seq.
💬 Need Help?
📞 (888) 885-7280
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