Landlord & Tenant Problems in St. Louis County
Dealing with problem tenants, considering selling your rental, or need eviction help? Get local guidance from someone who knows St. Louis County.
St. Louis County Landlord Resources
St. Louis County Circuit Court – Associate Division
Handles unlawful detainer (eviction) cases
105 S. Central Ave, Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-8029
Visit Website →St. Louis County Police
For emergency situations or writ execution
(314) 889-2341 (non-emergency)
Visit Website →Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council
Fair housing resources and guidance
(314) 534-5800
Visit Website →St. Louis County Eviction Timeline
Serve Written Notice
10 days for non-payment • 30 days for lease termination
File at Clayton Court
File rent and possession suit at Associate Circuit Court
Court Hearing
Typically scheduled 2-3 weeks after filing
Wait Period
10 days for tenant to appeal (if you win)
Writ Execution
Sheriff removes tenant – typically 5-10 days after writ issued
Total Timeline: 4-8 weeks minimum in St. Louis County. Contested cases or tenant bankruptcy can extend this to months.
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Your Options as a St. Louis County Landlord
Formal Eviction
File at Clayton court, follow legal process. 4-8+ weeks.
Cash for Keys
Pay tenant to leave voluntarily. Often faster and cheaper than eviction.
Sell with Tenant
Sell to investor who keeps tenant or handles eviction themselves.
Wait for Lease End
Give non-renewal notice 30 days before lease expires, then sell vacant.
St. Louis County Landlord FAQs
How do I evict a tenant in St. Louis County?
In St. Louis County, eviction cases are filed at the Associate Circuit Court in Clayton. The process: 1) Serve proper written notice (10 days for non-payment, 30 days for month-to-month termination), 2) File rent and possession suit if tenant doesn't comply, 3) Attend court hearing (typically 2-3 weeks), 4) If you win, obtain writ of execution after 10 days, 5) Sheriff executes writ. Total timeline: 4-8 weeks minimum.
Where do I file for eviction in St. Louis County?
Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed at the St. Louis County Courts in Clayton, 105 S. Central Avenue. You'll file in the Associate Circuit Division. The filing fee is approximately $50-75. You can also file online through Missouri CaseNet in some circumstances.
Can I sell my St. Louis County rental with tenants in place?
Yes, you can sell with tenants. Month-to-month tenants can be given 30 days notice to vacate. Tenants with leases have the right to stay until lease expiration unless the new buyer agrees to honor the lease. Many investors specifically seek occupied rentals in St. Louis County for the cash flow.
What are the rental licensing requirements in St. Louis County municipalities?
Requirements vary by municipality within St. Louis County. Many cities (like University City, Maplewood, Richmond Heights) require rental licenses, inspections, and occupancy permits. Check with the specific city where your property is located. Failure to maintain proper licensing can affect your ability to collect rent or evict.
My St. Louis County tenant stopped paying but won't leave. What now?
You MUST follow the legal eviction process. Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) is illegal and can result in you paying damages to the tenant. Serve a 10-day notice to pay or quit, then file for eviction in Clayton if they don't comply. Consider 'cash for keys' as a faster alternative.
Documents for St. Louis County Landlord Issues
Having these items ready helps us give you accurate guidance faster:
- Current lease agreement
- Rent payment history/records
- Written communications with tenant
- Photos of property condition
- Municipal rental license (if applicable)
- Notice to quit (copy you served)
- Property tax records
- Mortgage statement
Don’t have everything? That’s okay – start with what you have.
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Important: This information is educational and specific to St. Louis County, Missouri. It is not legal advice. For specific legal guidance on evictions or landlord-tenant disputes, consult with a licensed Missouri attorney.