NOTICE OF RENT DEFAULT AND DEMAND FOR POSSESSION
(Missouri)
[// GUIDANCE: Missouri landlord-tenant law is governed primarily by Mo. Rev. Stat. Chapter 535. IMPORTANT: Missouri does NOT have a statewide uniform landlord-tenant act for residential properties. For nonpayment of rent, Missouri generally does not require advance written notice before filing an unlawful detainer action if the tenant is holding over after rent is due. However, providing notice is common practice and may be required by the lease. Kansas City and St. Louis may have additional local requirements. This notice serves as demand for payment and possession. Verify requirements before use.]
NOTICE INFORMATION
Date of Notice: [DATE]
Tenant Name(s): [TENANT FULL LEGAL NAME(S)]
Rental Property Address:
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], Missouri [ZIP CODE]
[UNIT/APT NUMBER, if applicable]
NOTICE OF RENT DEFAULT AND DEMAND FOR POSSESSION
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED TENANT(S) AND ALL OTHERS IN POSSESSION:
You are hereby notified that you are in default of your rental agreement for the above-referenced premises due to nonpayment of rent.
AMOUNT DUE
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Past Due Rent for [MONTH(S)/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| Late Fee (if applicable per lease) | $[AMOUNT] |
| Prior Balance (if any) | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL AMOUNT DUE | $[TOTAL] |
DEMAND FOR PAYMENT OR POSSESSION
DEMAND IS HEREBY MADE that you immediately pay the full amount of rent due OR vacate and surrender possession of the above-described premises.
[// GUIDANCE: Missouri law does not specify a required notice period for nonpayment. Landlords may provide a reasonable cure period (e.g., 3-10 days) or file immediately. Check lease terms for any required notice provisions.]
If payment or possession is not received within [NUMBER] DAYS from the date of service of this notice, the Landlord will file an Unlawful Detainer (Rent and Possession) action in the Missouri Associate Circuit Court pursuant to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.010 et seq.
CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
If you fail to pay the rent owed or vacate the premises, the Landlord will:
- File an Unlawful Detainer action in Associate Circuit Court;
- Seek a judgment for possession of the premises;
- Seek a money judgment for all unpaid rent, damages, court costs, and attorney's fees if permitted;
- Request execution of a Writ of Possession by the sheriff.
PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Payment must be made by: [CHECK / MONEY ORDER / CASHIER'S CHECK / CERTIFIED FUNDS / OTHER ACCEPTED METHODS]
Payment must be delivered to:
[LANDLORD NAME OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], Missouri [ZIP CODE]
[PHONE NUMBER]
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICES
-
Missouri Unlawful Detainer Process: If an action is filed, you will be served with a summons and petition. You have the right to appear in court and present defenses.
-
Kansas City/St. Louis Residents: If the property is in Kansas City or St. Louis, additional tenant protection ordinances may apply. Verify local requirements.
-
Warranty of Habitability: Missouri courts have recognized an implied warranty of habitability in residential leases. You may have defenses if there are serious conditions affecting health and safety.
-
Security Deposit: Your security deposit is governed by Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300.
-
Prohibited Self-Help: Landlords may not use self-help eviction methods such as changing locks or cutting off utilities without court order.
-
Military Personnel: If you are a servicemember on active duty, you may have additional rights under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.).
-
Legal Assistance: For legal help, contact:
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: (314) 534-4200
- Legal Aid of Western Missouri: (816) 474-6750
- Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral: (573) 636-3635
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
This notice is made without waiving any rights or remedies of the Landlord, all of which are expressly reserved.
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that a copy of this Notice was served upon the above-named Tenant(s) on [DATE OF SERVICE] by the following method:
☐ Personal delivery to Tenant
☐ Leaving at dwelling unit with person of suitable age
☐ Posting in a conspicuous place on the premises
☐ First-class mail
☐ Certified mail, return receipt requested
LANDLORD/AGENT SIGNATURE
Landlord/Authorized Agent Name: [PRINT NAME]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: [DATE]
Address:
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
[CITY], Missouri [ZIP CODE]
Telephone: [PHONE NUMBER]
PROOF OF SERVICE
Server Name: [PRINT NAME OF PERSON WHO SERVED NOTICE]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date of Service: [DATE]
Method of Service: [DESCRIBE METHOD USED]
This notice is intended as a pre-suit demand pursuant to Missouri law. Missouri does not have a comprehensive residential landlord-tenant act. This template does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Missouri attorney for guidance specific to your situation.