Missouri Eviction Notice Law
Missouri sets no waiting period before a rent-and-possession suit: the landlord must demand the unpaid rent, and may then file once it is not paid, with no separate notice to quit required (RSMo §§ 535.010, 535.020). For a lease violation it is 10 days, with no statutory chance to cure.
Last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed
Not legal advice. A defective notice can restart an eviction case; ask a Missouri attorney or court self-help center before serving one. See our disclaimer.
Missouri eviction notice rules at a glance
| Notice for unpaid rent | No state ruleRSMo § 535.020, RSMo § 535.010, RSMo § 441.060 |
|---|---|
| Notice for a lease violation | 10 days (no statutory cure period)RSMo § 441.040, RSMo § 441.030, RSMo § 441.020 |
| Ending a month-to-month tenancy (no-fault) | 30 days (either side)RSMo § 441.060 |
What Missouri law says
What notice must a Missouri landlord give before filing an eviction for unpaid rent?
Missouri sets no waiting period before a rent-and-possession suit: the landlord must demand the unpaid rent, and may then file once it is not paid, with no separate notice to quit required (RSMo §§ 535.010, 535.020) (RSMo § 535.020).
How much notice is required for a lease violation in Missouri?
If a tenant breaks a condition of a written lease, assigns without written consent, commits waste, or allows illegal gambling or drug activity, the landlord may give 10 days' notice to vacate and then recover possession through court; the statute gives no cure right (RSMo §§ 441.030, 441.040, 441.020) (RSMo § 441.040).
How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Missouri?
Either a Missouri landlord or tenant may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice that the tenancy ends on a rent due date at least one month after the notice is received (RSMo § 441.060.4(1)).
Local rules in Missouri
Since Aug. 28, 2025, RSMo § 441.043 bars Missouri cities and counties from regulating rent amounts or limiting security deposits.
Other Missouri rules
| Security deposit limit | 2 months' rent (with exceptions)RSMo § 535.300.1, RSMo § 441.043.2(3) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after the lease endsRSMo § 535.300.3 |
| Late-fee cap | No state capRSMo ch. 441 (silent), RSMo ch. 535 (silent) |
| Entry notice | No state ruleRSMo ch. 441 (no landlord-entry provision), RSMo ch. 535 (no landlord-entry provision) |
| Rent-increase notice | No state ruleRSMo § 441.060.4 |