How Much Does an Eviction Cost in Missouri? (2026)
Filing fees, sheriff costs, attorney fees, and lost rent, under RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant)
Filing fees, sheriff costs, attorney fees, and lost rent, under RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant)
A Missouri eviction typically runs $1,008–$3,110 uncontested and $2,390–$10,244 contested, under RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant). Lost rent is almost always the largest line item.
Evicting a tenant in Missouri involves specific procedures and costs. Understanding these is crucial for any landlord, especially those managing 1-20 units. Missouri's approach to landlord-tenant law, primarily governed by RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant), sets a distinct framework compared to other states. This guide breaks down the financial realities and procedural requirements you'll face.
The key regulators are primarily the local circuit courts where the eviction action is filed. Unlike states with specialized housing courts, Missouri evictions proceed through the general civil court system. This means adhering to standard civil procedure rules in addition to the specific landlord-tenant statutes. Expect variations in court clerk efficiency and judge interpretations across different counties, though the underlying law remains consistent.
For landlords in Missouri, the practical bottom line is this: prepare for both direct legal expenses and indirect costs stemming from lost rent and property damage. An eviction is rarely a quick or cheap process. Missteps can significantly increase both time and money spent. Don't attempt to shortcut the legal process; do follow RSMo § 441 precisely.
Before filing an eviction lawsuit, you must provide proper notice. Missouri law dictates specific notice periods depending on the reason for eviction:
The cost for these notices is typically minimal, usually just the expense of certified mail if you choose that route, or the time spent hand-delivering and documenting service. However, incorrect notice can invalidate your entire case, forcing you to restart and incur further delays and costs.
The first significant cost comes with filing the "Petition for Unlawful Detainer" with the circuit court. Filing fees vary by county but generally range from $75 to $150. For example, in St. Louis County, a typical filing fee might be around $100. Check with your specific county clerk's office for the exact amount.
After filing, the tenant must be legally served with the summons and petition. This is usually done by a sheriff or a private process server. Sheriff's fees typically range from $35 to $60 per tenant. Private process servers can charge more, often between $50 and $100, but may offer faster service or more attempts. Improper service is a common landlord mistake; if the tenant isn't properly notified, the court cannot hear your case, leading to dismissal and requiring you to pay for re-service.
While not legally required, hiring an attorney for an eviction in Missouri is highly advisable. Landlord-tenant law, though seemingly straightforward, has nuances that can trip up even experienced landlords. Attorney fees can vary widely. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for an uncontested eviction, meaning the tenant does not fight the eviction. If the tenant contests the eviction, or if there are counterclaims, these costs can easily climb to several thousand dollars.
An attorney understands the specific rules of evidence, court procedures, and how to properly present your case. They can also advise on potential pitfalls, such as violating the RSMo § 441.060, which outlines the landlord's duty to maintain premises, or issues related to security deposits. Missouri does not have "just-cause" eviction requirements statewide, meaning you generally do not need a specific reason beyond lease violation or proper notice for termination, but local ordinances or lease terms can introduce complexities.
If the tenant does not appear or contest the eviction, you may obtain a default judgment. If they do appear, a hearing will be scheduled. This can add delays. Each court appearance, even a short one, incurs legal fees if you are represented. A contested case can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days or more from filing to judgment, depending on court dockets and tenant actions.
If you win your case, the court will issue an "Order of Restitution" (sometimes called a Writ of Possession). This order allows the sheriff to physically remove the tenant if they do not vacate. The fee for the sheriff to execute this order is typically another $35 to $60. You may also need to arrange for locksmiths or movers if the tenant leaves property behind, incurring additional costs.
These are often the largest hidden costs. While a security deposit cap of 2.00 months' rent in Missouri provides some protection, it rarely covers all losses from a problematic tenant. During the eviction process, you are unlikely to receive rent. If the process takes 60 days, that's two months of lost income. If your rent is $1,000/month, that's $2,000 in lost revenue before any legal fees.
Property damage beyond normal wear and tear is also common. Repair costs for anything from minor fixes to major renovations can quickly exceed the security deposit. While the court can award a judgment for unpaid rent and damages, collecting on that judgment is a separate, often difficult, and costly process.
As of recent legislative sessions, Missouri continues to see proposals aimed at both strengthening landlord rights and providing tenant protections. While major overhauls to RSMo § 441 have not typically passed in their entirety, smaller amendments are always possible. For instance, discussions around the speed of eviction proceedings or the scope of tenant remedies for uninhabitable conditions occasionally arise. Landlords should stay informed about any changes, as even minor adjustments to notice periods or court procedures can impact eviction costs and timelines. The general trend has been towards clarifying existing statutes rather than introducing entirely new frameworks like statewide just-cause eviction, which Missouri currently lacks.
A typical, uncontested eviction in Missouri for non-payment of rent, assuming no major complications, could easily cost a landlord:
This estimate does not include lost rent, property damage, or the cost of your own time. A contested eviction will invariably push these figures much higher. Understanding these costs upfront allows for better financial planning and risk assessment when dealing with problematic tenancies.
| Cost Line | Uncontested | Contested |
|---|---|---|
| Notice prep & service | $75–$200 | $150–$350 |
| Court filing fee | $70–$180 (RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant)) | |
| Process server | $75–$200 | |
| Attorney fees | $500–$3,000 | |
| Sheriff / constable lockout | $40–$150 | |
| Lost rent during process | $598–$1,280 (21–45 days @ $854/mo) | $1,280–$3,414 (45–120 days) |
| Cleaning, repairs, re-leasing | $800–$2,200 | $1,100–$5,200 |
| Total scenario | $1,008–$3,110 | $2,390–$10,244 |
This section details Missouri-specific factors impacting eviction costs. General eviction procedures apply, but Missouri has unique elements that add to expense or delay if not handled correctly. Focus here is on the quirks and common missteps.
The controlling statute for landlord-tenant relations in Missouri is RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant). All actions must align with these provisions. Deviations cause delays and increase costs.
Missouri's non-payment notice is 5 days. This means 5 full calendar days from service. Do not count the day of service. Do not count weekends or holidays unless the 5th day falls on one and you are counting calendar days. If the 5th day is a weekend or holiday, the notice period extends to the next business day. Failure to observe this adds time and can invalidate your filing. Many landlords serve a 3-day notice, thinking it's sufficient. It is not. The statute specifies 5 days. Using a 3-day notice, even if the tenant pays, creates a procedural flaw if the case goes to court. The judge will likely dismiss it, forcing you to re-serve and restart the clock.
For no-cause evictions (e.g., end of lease term, no renewal), a 30-day notice is required. This is a full 30 days. Again, calculate carefully. If the lease specifies a different notice period for termination, the lease terms may control, but 30 days is the standard. Always err on the side of caution with notice periods.
Missouri does not have statewide "just-cause" eviction requirements. This means you generally do not need a specific reason beyond lease termination or violation to evict. However, local ordinances can introduce just-cause provisions. Kansas City and St. Louis City, for example, have stricter rules. Always check specific city ordinances before acting, especially in metropolitan areas. This is a common trap. Assuming statewide rules apply everywhere will cost you.
Missouri caps security deposits at 2.00 months' rent. This is clear. What is less clear, and a common mistake, is the return process. RSMo § 535.300 governs security deposit returns. You have 30 days from the date of termination of tenancy to return the deposit or provide an itemized list of damages. Failure to do so within 30 days can result in a penalty. The tenant can sue for double the amount of the security deposit withheld. This means if you withhold $1,000 without proper notice, you could owe $2,000. This is an avoidable cost.
Don't do this: Withhold a security deposit for "general wear and tear" or without a detailed, itemized list of deductions. Do this: Provide a written, itemized list of specific damages, the estimated cost of repair, and return any remaining balance within the 30-day window. Take before-and-after photos. Document everything. This prevents costly litigation later.
Court filing fees vary by county. For an unlawful detainer action, expect to pay around $100-$150 to file the petition. Service of process adds another $40-$60 per defendant, whether by sheriff or private process server. These are initial out-of-pocket costs before any legal fees. For example, in Jackson County, the filing fee for an unlawful detainer is approximately $105 as of early 2024. This does not include service. If you need to refile due to a procedural error, you pay these fees again.
The time from filing to hearing can range from 2-4 weeks, depending on the county's docket. Rural counties often move faster than urban ones. St. Louis County and Jackson County courts tend to have heavier dockets, leading to longer wait times. Factor this into your cost calculations; extended vacancy means lost rent.
A concrete example of a common landlord mistake in Missouri is attempting self-help eviction. This means changing locks, turning off utilities, or removing a tenant's belongings without a court order. This is illegal in Missouri. Even if a tenant is severely delinquent on rent, you cannot bypass the court system. Doing so opens you to a lawsuit for wrongful eviction, which can result in significant damages, including statutory penalties and attorney's fees for the tenant. The initial eviction costs, though frustrating, are minor compared to the penalties for a wrongful eviction. Always follow the legal process, no matter how slow or frustrating it seems.
As of recent legislative sessions (2024-2026), Missouri has seen attempts to modify landlord-tenant laws. While no sweeping changes to the core eviction process (like a statewide just-cause requirement) have passed, there is ongoing discussion regarding stricter habitability standards and retaliatory eviction protections. Some proposals aim to increase the burden on landlords to prove non-retaliatory actions if an eviction notice follows a tenant's complaint about conditions. While these haven't become law statewide, they represent a trend. Landlords must stay informed about local ordinances and any new state legislation that could impact notice requirements, acceptable reasons for eviction, or security deposit rules. What is legal today might have new caveats tomorrow. Consult a Missouri attorney for the most up-to-date legal guidance on proposed or recently enacted legislation affecting landlord-tenant law.
If a tenant appeals an eviction judgment, the case moves to a higher court. This significantly increases costs. An appeal bond is usually required from the tenant, but it does not guarantee payment of rent during the appeal. Legal fees for an appeal can easily run into thousands of dollars. While less common for standard non-payment cases, it is a possibility, especially in cases with complex legal arguments or strong tenant advocacy.
Understanding these Missouri-specific details helps minimize unexpected costs and delays. Adherence to statutory requirements and local ordinances is not optional; it is essential to a successful and cost-effective eviction process.
Every dollar spent on tenant screening saves roughly $15–$25 in eviction and turnover costs. A rigorous screening protocol, verified income, rent-to-income ratio, prior landlord references, and a documented rubric, is the single highest-ROI move a Missouri landlord can make.
See our tenant screening guide for Missouri for the 5-point protocol used by NextGen Properties.
$2,500 to $5,500 all-in.
Associate Circuit Court: $36 to $75.
14 to 30 days.
No; Associate Circuit is informal.
Yes; no pre-filing notice required for nonpayment.
Informational only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Missouri attorney. Source attribution in the Sources band below.