Dealing with a non-paying or problem tenant is one of the most stressful situations a landlord faces. Missouri has specific legal requirements for the eviction process — a single procedural misstep can delay the process for weeks or months. Attorney Baro handles the entire eviction process for landlords throughout the St. Louis area, ensuring it's done correctly and as efficiently as the law allows.
Common Reasons for Eviction
✓ Nonpayment of rent
✓ Lease violation (unauthorized occupants, pets, etc.)
✓ Property damage or destruction
✓ Illegal activity on the premises
✓ Holding over after lease expiration
✓ Nuisance behavior affecting other tenants
The Missouri Eviction Process
Missouri eviction law (Chapter 534, RSMo) requires landlords to follow a specific legal process. Attempting to evict a tenant by changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities is illegal "self-help eviction" and can expose you to significant liability. The proper process is:
1
Proper written notice — Before filing in court, most evictions require written notice to the tenant. The type and duration of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
- Nonpayment of rent: Written demand for payment or possession
- Lease violation: Notice to cure or vacate
- Holdover tenant / month-to-month: 30-day written notice
2
File an unlawful detainer action — If the tenant does not vacate after proper notice, we file an unlawful detainer (UD) petition in the appropriate circuit court. The case is assigned a hearing date, typically within 2–3 weeks.
3
Serve the tenant — The tenant must be properly served with notice of the court date. Service can be made by the sheriff or by private process server.
4
Court hearing — Attorney Baro represents you at the hearing. If the court rules in your favor, a judgment for possession is entered and a writ of execution can be obtained.
5
Writ of execution / Sheriff lockout — If the tenant still refuses to leave, the writ is submitted to the sheriff, who will physically remove the tenant and return possession of the property to you.
Important Note on Tenant Bankruptcy Filings
If your tenant files for bankruptcy during the eviction process, the automatic stay may temporarily halt the proceedings. As a firm that also handles bankruptcy law extensively, we are uniquely positioned to navigate this situation and advise you on your options when a tenant uses bankruptcy to delay eviction.
Need to Evict a Tenant?
Don't try to handle it yourself — one mistake can delay the process by months. Call Attorney Baro to get the process started correctly.