Stage 1 · Gate
File rent-and-possession action
Day 1
No statutory pre-suit notice. RSMo Chapter 535. Filed in Associate Circuit Court. Filing fee $45-$90.
Uncontested: 21–45 days · Contested: 45–120 days · Under RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant)
The Missouri eviction process requires a court-ordered judgment before a landlord can remove a tenant. Timeline figures below begin after the pre-filing notice period expires and the landlord files the complaint with the court. Add 3–60+ days for the applicable pre-filing notice period (pay-or-quit, cure-or-quit, or no-fault) depending on the eviction reason.
| Uncontested eviction (after filing) | 21–45 days | RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant) |
| Contested eviction (after filing) | 45–120 days | RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant) |
| Pre-filing notice: Nonpayment of rent (rent-and-possession) | 0 days | RSMo § 535.010 |
| Pre-filing notice: Material lease violation (unlawful detainer) | 10 days | RSMo § 441.060 |
| Pre-filing notice: End of month-to-month tenancy | 30 days | RSMo § 441.060 |
| Court filing fee | $70–$180 | RSMo § 441 (Landlord and Tenant) |
No statutory pre-suit notice. RSMo Chapter 535. Filed in Associate Circuit Court. Filing fee $45-$90.
Sheriff or process server delivers. Hearing within 7-21 days of filing.
Bench trial. Same-day judgment in most cases. No notice exhibit needed for rent-and-possession cases.
Tenant may file motion to set aside or application for trial de novo within 10 days. Writ does not issue during this window even on uncontested cases.
After 10-day window expires, landlord requests writ. Sheriff executes within 5-14 days. KC and St. Louis run slightly longer due to volume.
Informational only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Missouri attorney. Source attribution in the Sources band below.