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Jefferson County, Missouri

Landlord & Tenant Problems in Jefferson County

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Jefferson County Landlord Resources

Jefferson County Circuit Court

Handles eviction cases for Jefferson County

729 Maple St, Hillsboro, MO 63050

(636) 797-5443

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Jefferson County Sheriff

Executes writs of possession after eviction judgment

(636) 797-5515

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Legal Aid of Western Missouri

Free legal help for qualifying residents

(816) 474-6750

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Jefferson County Eviction Process

1

Serve Written Notice

10 days for non-payment • 30 days for month-to-month termination

2

File at Hillsboro Court

729 Maple St – File unlawful detainer suit

3

Attend Court Hearing

Usually scheduled 2-3 weeks after filing

4

Wait for Appeal Period

10 days for tenant to appeal if you win

5

Sheriff Executes Writ

Jefferson County Sheriff physically removes tenant

No Self-Help Eviction: Changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing tenant's belongings without a court order is illegal in Missouri and can result in you paying damages.

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Your Options

Formal Eviction

File at Hillsboro courthouse. Follow legal process. 4-8+ weeks.

Cash for Keys

Pay tenant $500-2,000 to leave voluntarily. Often faster.

Sell with Tenant

Sell to investor who keeps or removes tenant themselves.

Wait for Lease End

Give non-renewal notice, then sell vacant.

Jefferson County Landlord FAQs

How do I evict a tenant in Jefferson County?

File eviction cases at the Jefferson County Circuit Court in Hillsboro. Process: 1) Serve proper written notice (10 days for non-payment), 2) File unlawful detainer suit at the courthouse, 3) Attend hearing (typically 2-3 weeks), 4) Wait 10 days for appeal period, 5) Jefferson County Sheriff executes writ. Timeline: 4-8 weeks minimum.

Where do I file for eviction in Jefferson County?

File at the Jefferson County Circuit Court, 729 Maple Street in Hillsboro. The filing fee is approximately $50-75. Bring copies of the lease, notice served, and any evidence of non-payment or lease violations.

Can I sell my Jefferson County rental with tenants in place?

Yes, you can sell with tenants. Many investors purchase occupied properties, especially in growing areas like Arnold and Festus. Month-to-month tenants get 30 days notice. Tenants with leases stay until expiration unless buyer agrees to honor the lease.

What about rental properties on larger lots in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County has many rentals on larger parcels. Consider the full property value including land when selling. Some investors are interested in the land potential even if the rental structure needs work. A property checkup can help you understand your options.

My tenant damaged the property. What can I do?

Document all damage with photos and videos. Keep receipts for repairs. After eviction, you can pursue the security deposit and sue in small claims court for damages exceeding the deposit (up to $5,000 in Missouri). The Jefferson County small claims court is also in Hillsboro.

Documents for Jefferson County Landlord Issues

Having these items ready helps us give you accurate guidance faster:

  • Current lease agreement
  • Rent payment records
  • Written communications with tenant
  • Photos of property/damage
  • Notice to quit (copy served)
  • Property tax records
  • Mortgage statement
  • Repair receipts

Don’t have everything? That’s okay – start with what you have.

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Important: This information is educational and specific to Jefferson County, Missouri. It is not legal advice. For specific legal guidance on evictions or landlord-tenant disputes, consult with a licensed Missouri attorney.