Missouri Notice to Quit for Unpaid Rent

Last Updated: March 6, 2023 by Marnie Snyder

Missouri Notice to Quit for Unpaid Rent is an eviction letter served to the tenant for nonpayment of rent. Missouri law does not require the landlord to give tenants more time to pay past due rent, however it is common practice to grant tenants three (3) to five (5) days before filing an eviction.

When to Use a Missouri Notice to Quit for Unpaid Rent

Use a Notice to Quit for Unpaid Rent to begin the eviction process in Missouri if the tenant is late on rent (starting the day after it’s due), either in part or in full.

If the above is not true, use one of the below forms to evict a tenant:

  • 5 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate – If a person, other than the tenant, committed a criminal act on the premises, such as causing physical injury to the tenant, landlord or other persons, committed substantial property damage or engaged in drug related activity.
  • 10 Notice to Vacate – If the tenant possessed, sold or distributed controlled substances, allowed gambling or prostitution, damaged the property or assigned the lease without the landlord’s approval.
  • 10 Day Notice to Comply or Vacate – If the tenant violated the rules with too many occupants residing in the rental unit, disturbed the peace or enjoyment of others, refused to allow the landlord access to the rental unit or violated any other provisions of the lease.
  • 30 Day Notice to Vacate – If the tenant or landlord is terminating a tenancy of less than one (1) year, including a periodic lease (i.e. week-to-week or month-to-month). This letter may also be used for tenants with no written lease or for tenants with an expired lease.

How to Write a Missouri Notice to Quit for Unpaid Rent

The Missouri Notice to Quit form shall be completed as follows:

  1. Write all adult tenants’ names (do not include minors);
  2. Fill in the complete address of the rental premises;
  3. Enter the amount of rent due and the date it became due;
  4. Include the total amount to be paid;
  5. Explain where the total amount due should be paid;
  6. The date the total amount is due or the date the tenant must vacate the premises;
  7. Include the date the notice is served;
  8. Landlord prints name and signs notice;
  9. Landlord includes address and phone number.

How to Serve a Missouri Notice to Quit for Unpaid Rent

A landlord can deliver notices in Missouri using either of the below acceptable methods:

  1. Handing the notice to the tenant in person;
  2. Handing the notice to a person of suitable age and discretion (over the age of 18) AND mailing the notice by certified mail with a return receipt requiring the receiving party’s signature.

When sending the notice by certified mail, add three (3) calendar days to the notice period to account for variability in post office delivery times.

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