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Lee's Summit, MO Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Just cause eviction rules in Lee's Summit, MO, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.

Key Facts

Just-Cause Required
No
Month-to-Month Notice
One month (RSMo 441.060)
Nonpayment
Rent & possession (Ch. 535)
Local Ordinances
Preempted (RSMo 441.043)
Self-Help Eviction
Illegal

Summary

Lee's Summit has no just-cause eviction law; state law governs. Landlords may end a month-to-month tenancy with one month's written notice under RSMo 441.060 without stating cause, then file rent-and-possession or unlawful-detainer actions under RSMo Chapters 535 and 534.

All tenancies that are not made in writing and signed by the parties shall be held and taken to be tenancies from month to month, and all such tenancies may be terminated by either party thereto, or the party's agent, giving to the other party, or the party's agent, one month's notice, in writing, of the party's intention to terminate such tenancy.

Source: Lee's Summit Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Lee's Summit does not require landlords to show good cause to end a tenancy, and Missouri's 2025 amendment to RSMo 441.043 (HB 595/343) preempts cities from adopting such tenant-protection ordinances. A landlord ends a month-to-month tenancy with one month's written notice under RSMo 441.060. Nonpayment is pursued as a rent-and-possession action under RSMo Chapter 535; holdover and lease violations proceed as unlawful detainer under RSMo Chapter 534. Self-help evictions such as changing locks or shutting off utilities are illegal. Retaliatory and discriminatory evictions remain barred by state and federal law.

Violations & Fines

Self-help lockouts or utility shutoffs expose landlords to tenant damages. Filing eviction without the required written notice gets the case dismissed. Retaliatory eviction after a code complaint is prohibited and gives the tenant a defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Lee's Summit landlord evict me without a reason?
For month-to-month tenancies, yes, with one month's written notice under RSMo 441.060. There is no local just-cause requirement. Retaliatory and discriminatory evictions are still illegal.
How fast is an eviction for unpaid rent?
A rent-and-possession suit under RSMo Chapter 535 moves quickly; the tenant can stop it by paying all rent and court costs before judgment.

Sources & Official References

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