Landlord Entering Without Notice in Missouri: What Are My Rights?
This page covers what happens when a landlord locks a tenant out, changes the locks, or forces a tenant out without going to court. It also covers what you can do if your landlord breaks these rules.
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Your landlord cannot remove you or your belongings from your home without a court order first. Missouri law calls this 'forcible entry and detainer' (taking over a home without going to court first), a violation under state law. This rule does not apply if you have abandoned your home under Missouri's separate process for abandoned property. That process has its own notice steps your landlord must follow first.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord cannot change or remove the doors or locks to your home without a court order first. Missouri law treats this the same as forcing you out of your home without going to court, which is against state law. This rule does not apply if you have abandoned your home under Missouri's separate process for abandoned property.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Missouri law requires your landlord to go to court before making you leave your home. Your landlord cannot force you out with a 'self-help eviction' (changing locks, removing doors, or similar actions without a judge's order). Instead, your landlord must file a lawsuit and get a judgment (the court's final decision) before anyone can remove you.
✓ Sources checked September 27, 2026
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Missouri law makes it illegal for your landlord to threaten a 'self-help eviction' (forcing you out without going to court). To evict you, your landlord must file a lawsuit, get a judgment (the court's final decision), and have a sheriff remove you.
✓ Sources checked September 27, 2026
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If your landlord illegally locks you out, you have the right to call a locksmith (someone who can open or change locks). You can then let yourself back into your home. Doing this is not a crime.
✓ Sources checked September 27, 2026
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If your landlord illegally locks you out, you may call someone who opens locks and get back into your home. This is not 'breaking and entering.' Your lease is not just an agreement to rent. It gives you the legal right to possess your home. Your landlord cannot take back that right unless you give it up or a judge orders you to leave.
✓ Sources checked September 27, 2026
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If your landlord tries to lock you out, you can write down what happened and take photos as a record. If you feel safe doing so, you can also call the police and ask the officer to tell your landlord to leave.
✓ Sources checked September 27, 2026
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If your landlord illegally locks you out, you can sue your landlord in civil court for money to cover the losses this caused you. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 27, 2026
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Some cities add stricter rules than state law when a landlord locks a tenant out. Check your city's guide.
✓ Sources checked September 27, 2026
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Missouri has a different rule for a home a tenant left behind. It is not the same as a landlord locking you out. The rule applies only if your landlord reasonably believes you moved out for good, and your rent has been unpaid for 30 days. Your landlord must post a written notice on your home. Your landlord must also mail a notice to your last known address by first-class and certified mail with a return receipt. You then have 10 days after both the posting and the mailing to pay rent or write back. If you do not, your landlord may remove your things. Save texts and emails as well; they are also a record of what you sent.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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