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St. Louis County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Missouri landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in St. Louis County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$45
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
3–5 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ St. Louis County Courthouse Information

⚠️ St. Louis County — What Landlords Should Know

Note: St. Louis City is separate from St. Louis County.

Need an Eviction Attorney in St. Louis County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local St. Louis County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in St. Louis County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Missouri law.

2

File Your Unlawful Detainer at St. Louis County Circuit Court

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the St. Louis County Circuit Court (7900 Carondelet Ave., Clayton, MO 63105). The filing fee is $45. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In St. Louis County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in St. Louis County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Missouri Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Missouri.

St. Louis County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $45 Paid to St. Louis County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $25 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$21–$25 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — St. Louis County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in St. Louis County?

The typical St. Louis County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. St. Louis County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in St. Louis County?

The court filing fee in St. Louis County is $45. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $91–$95.

What court handles evictions in St. Louis County?

Evictions in St. Louis County are filed at the St. Louis County Circuit Court, located at 7900 Carondelet Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in St. Louis County?

St. Louis County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the St. Louis County Circuit Court.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in St. Louis County?

Missouri law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in St. Louis County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The St. Louis County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Missouri.

See full Missouri eviction laws and notice requirements.

Missouri Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Missouri.

Missouri Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in St. Louis County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in St. Louis County →

Relevant Missouri Statutes