Just cause eviction rules in St. Louis, MO — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
St. Louis follows Missouri statutory landlord-tenant law. Missouri does not require just cause for eviction. Month-to-month tenancies terminate with one full rental period written notice under RSMo Chapter 441, and nonpayment evictions follow RSMo Chapter 535 rent-and-possession procedures.
Missouri is a landlord-friendly state with no statewide just-cause requirement and no city just-cause ordinance in St. Louis. Under RSMo 441.060, a month-to-month tenancy can be ended by either party with written notice equal to one full rental period (typically 30 days). Fixed-term leases expire on their own terms. Nonpayment eviction (rent and possession) is governed by RSMo Chapter 535: landlord serves a demand for rent, then files in the 22nd Judicial Circuit (City of St. Louis). Unlawful detainer (holdover) cases proceed under RSMo Chapter 534. Self-help lockouts and utility shutoffs are prohibited; landlord must obtain a court judgment and sheriff execution. St. Louis does not cap late fees or require registration of eviction notices, but the city Civil Courts Building handles filings and the Sheriff executes writs of possession.
Illegal self-help eviction or lockout exposes landlord to civil damages, attorneys fees, and possible contempt. Tenants may also counterclaim for retaliation if eviction follows a code complaint.
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