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Missouri eviction process and court fees

Missouri landlords usually file a 'rent and possession' case (RSMo Chapter 535) for nonpayment. Rent must be demanded, but the statute sets no pay-or-quit waiting period. Other cases use unlawful detainer (Chapter 534).

Not legal advice. This page summarizes public statutes and court fee schedules as of the date shown. Rules and fees change; confirm with the court before you file, and talk to a local attorney about your situation.

Missouri eviction at a glance

CourtAssociate circuit court in the county (rent and possession or unlawful detainer)

Missouri landlords usually file a 'rent and possession' case (RSMo Chapter 535) for nonpayment. Rent must be demanded, but the statute sets no pay-or-quit waiting period. Other cases use unlawful detainer (Chapter 534).

Step by step

  1. Demand the rent. Rent must be due and demanded, and not paid. No statutory pay-or-quit notice period applies to rent and possession. (RSMo §535.020)
  2. File the verified statement. File with the associate circuit judge in the county where the property is located; the clerk issues a summons. (RSMo §535.020)
  3. Hearing and execution. After judgment, the landlord asks the court for execution (the order to restore possession). Ask the clerk about the current waiting period in your county.

Statewide fees

Filing depositNot verified
Set per circuit

Missouri fees vary by circuit. Verified counties are below.

About the missing details

Why it's missing: We only list eviction court fees published by an official source. Missouri hasn't published its local filing, service and writ fees online in a form we could verify, so call the clerk of the associate circuit court to confirm before you file.

General information
Not specific to Missouri

Across the 21 counties where we've read the official fee schedule, the eviction filing fee runs from $41 to $322. Sheriff or constable service usually adds a per-tenant charge, and a writ of possession adds another. Statewide fixed filing fees we've verified: California $240 (claims up to $10,000), Connecticut $175, Delaware $45, Florida $185, Texas $54.

Closest place with verified data

Jackson County, MO (about 107 miles away): rent and possession filing $62.50

Call or visit the official office

Missouri Legal Services (legal aid by county) · Official website

Ask for the clerk's office for the court that handles evictions in your county.

Know the current fee? Tell us. We check every tip against an official source before publishing it.

Counties with verified local fees

Official resources

All Missouri counties

Counties without verified local fees show the statewide rules above.

Frequently asked

Which court handles evictions in Missouri?

Associate circuit court in the county (rent and possession or unlawful detainer).

How much notice does a Missouri landlord have to give?

Rent must be due and demanded, and not paid. No statutory pay-or-quit notice period applies to rent and possession.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Missouri?

Missouri fees vary by circuit. Verified counties are below.