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Landlord Friendly · Rank #10 of 51

Missouri
Landlord Laws
2026 Complete Guide

Everything a landlord needs to know about Missouri law — eviction process, security deposits, entry rights, rent control status, and local court resources.

8
out of 10 · Landlord Friendly
📋
Notice Period
3 days
⏱️
Full Eviction
~25 days
💰
Deposit Max
2 months
🔑
Entry Notice
None req.
💳
Late Fee Cap
None
Rent Control
No
Live Market Data · RentCast

Missouri Rental Market

Current rents by bedroom · top metro breakdowns · YoY trend

Mar 29, 2026
1 Bedroom
$974
2 Bedrooms
$1,098
3 Bedrooms
$1,373
YoY Trend
-2%
Days on Market
32d
St. Louis S
63118
1BR$895
2BR$1,150
3BR$1,395
YoY
-4.1%
DOM
41.37d
Listings
296
Kansas City E
64130
1BR$1,052
2BR$1,045
3BR$1,350
YoY
0%
DOM
23.03d
Listings
128

Missouri Eviction Process

Complete timeline for removing a non-paying or violating tenant in Missouri

01
Serve Notice
3-day written notice for non-payment of rent. No special delivery method required by statute.
02
File Complaint
If tenant fails to pay or vacate after 3 days, file an eviction complaint at your local court. Filing fee: $50–$100.
03
Court Hearing
Hearing typically scheduled 7–14 days after filing. Bring your lease, all notices, rent ledger, and any communications with the tenant.
04
Judgment & Possession
If you win, the court issues a judgment for possession. Tenant typically has 24–72 hours to vacate. If not, obtain a writ of possession.
ESTIMATED TOTAL TIMELINE
3d
Filing + Hearing (14d)
Judgment (7d)
3d
Average total: 25 days from notice to possession. US average is ~50 days.

Security Deposit Rules

Missouri security deposit laws, limits, and return requirements

💰
Maximum Deposit
2 months
Per current statutes
📅
Return Deadline
14–45 days
After tenant vacates
📋
Itemization Required
Yes
Written itemization of deductions
📈
Interest Required
No
Required in some high-reg states

Rights & Responsibilities

What both parties are entitled to under Missouri law

✅ Landlord Rights
No rent control
No entry notice required
Fast unlawful detainer
⚖️ Tenant Rights
Basic habitability

Required Disclosures

Items you must disclose to tenants in Missouri before or at lease signing

📄 Lead paint

Rent Control Status

Missouri rent increase and rent control laws

No Rent Control in Missouri
Missouri has no statewide rent control law. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month, or at lease end for fixed terms).

Missouri Landlord FAQs

Common questions answered — also powers Google rich results

How long does eviction take in Missouri?+
The average eviction timeline in Missouri is 25 days from notice to possession. The pay-or-quit notice period is 3 days. Filing fee is $50–$100.
What is the security deposit limit in Missouri?+
In Missouri, the security deposit maximum is 2 months. Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.
Does Missouri have rent control?+
No. Missouri has no statewide rent control. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice — typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
How much entry notice is required in Missouri?+
Missouri does not require advance notice before entering a rental unit by statute, though best practice is always to notify tenants.

Compare Similar States

States with comparable landlord-friendliness scores

Alabama
8
30d eviction · 1 month
Arizona
9
21d eviction · 1.5 months
Arkansas
9
21d eviction · 2 months
Florida
8
30d eviction · None
← All StatesEviction Resources →