For Missouri Landlords Only
This guide applies to Missouri law. Rules vary by county and city.
⚡️ Quick Summary
When a Tenant doesn't pay rent, start the eviction process with a written Demand for Rent or Possession. Here's how:
Complete the Demand for Rent or Possession. Print and fill it out.
Serve it on the Tenant. You can serve it as soon as rent is past due.
Complete the Affidavit of Service to document how service was made.
Mark your calendar. Give the Tenant the stated time (typically 3–10 days) to pay in full or vacate.
File an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit if the Tenant hasn't paid or moved out.
🗓️ The Demand for Rent or Possession
Missouri does not have a specific statutory day-count notice for non-payment of rent. Instead, Missouri law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.020) requires a written demand for rent or possession before filing an Unlawful Detainer action.
Common practice is to give the Tenant 3–10 days to pay in full or vacate. Check with your local Associate Circuit Court, as local practice varies.
💡 Pro Tip: If the Tenant pays in full before the deadline, you must accept payment and the tenancy continues. If they don't pay, file for Unlawful Detainer.
You can apply late fees if your lease allows it. If not, get a better lease.
📬 How to Serve the Demand
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.020, notice may be served by:
Personally delivering it to the Tenant;
Leaving it with a member of the Tenant's family age 15 or older residing on the premises; or
Posting a copy in a conspicuous place on the premises AND mailing a copy by first-class mail.
🚩 Don't serve the notice yourself. Use someone 18+ who can testify in court that service was made.
✍️ Complete the Affidavit of Service
Have the person who served the Tenant complete the Affidavit of Service form. Keep this in your file — you will need it as evidence when filing your Unlawful Detainer action. 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 the number of days stated in your demand. Weekends and holidays are included.
⚖️ File an Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit
If the Tenant hasn't paid in full or vacated, 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, connect with one here.
❓ FAQs
Can I slip the notice under the door?
No. Missouri requires personal delivery, leaving with a qualifying household member, or posting plus mailing.
Can I serve the notice myself?
Not smart. Whoever served the notice may need to testify. Use a third party.
Should I accept partial payments?
You are not required to accept partial payments. If you won't, include this language in your demand: "Only FULL PAYMENT of the rent demanded will waive Landlord's right to proceed under this notice unless Landlord agrees in writing to continue the tenancy in exchange for partial payment." Accepting less than the full amount may require you to start the process over.
📄 Forms
Demand for Rent or Possession — Written demand to pay or vacate
Affidavit of Service — Documents how and when service was made
📜 Relevant Missouri Laws
Unlawful Detainer — Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.010 et seq.
Service of Notice — Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.020
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⚖️ Disclaimer — This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific case or situation. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. We make no guarantees as to accuracy, completeness, or changes in the law.