Landlord Entry Rules in Missouri
Missouri rules on landlord entry for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-23.
Short answer: No statute — entry and notice before entry are governed by the lease. RSMo Chs. 441, 534 and 535 (no section on landlord entry)
The rules in Missouri
| Landlord entry notice | No statute — entry and notice before entry are governed by the lease. No section of the landlord-tenant (Ch. 441), forcible entry and unlawful detainer (Ch. 534) or rent-and-possession (Ch. 535) chapters sets a landlord right of entry or an entry-notice period. In a code-enforcement nuisance case, an owner's inability to get access despite good-faith efforts is a defense (RSMo 441.560). Chapter lists: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=534 and https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=535. |
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Related questions
Missouri vs. neighboring states
| State | Landlord entry notice |
|---|---|
| Missouri | No statute — entry and notice before entry are governed by the lease. RSMo Chs. 441, 534 and 535 (no section on landlord entry) |
| Arkansas | No statute — Arkansas sets no advance-notice requirement for landlord entry. The tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to enter to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply services, investigate possible rule or lease violations or criminal activity, or show the unit to prospective or actual buyers, lenders, tenants, workers, or contractors. The tenant may not change the locks without the landlord's permission. If the tenant refuses lawful access, the landlord may seek an injunction in district court (no bond) or terminate the lease, and recover actual damages and reasonable attorney's fees. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-17-602, 18-17-705 |
| Illinois | No statute (statewide). Entry is governed by the lease and local ordinances. 765 ILCS 705 (Landlord and Tenant Act — no entry provision) |
| Iowa | At least 24 hours' notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where impracticable. Landlord may enter without consent in an emergency, and may not abuse access to harass. Tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent for inspections, repairs, services, or showings. Iowa Code § 562A.19 |
| Kansas | Landlord may enter at reasonable hours after reasonable notice to inspect, repair, supply services, or show the unit; may enter without consent in an extreme hazard involving potential loss of life or severe property damage; may not abuse access to harass. K.S.A. 58-2557 |
| Kentucky | URLTA areas: at least 2 days' notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in emergencies or where impracticable; no abuse of access. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. KRS 383.615 |
| Nebraska | At least 24 hours' written notice (stating purpose and expected arrival window, delivered to each unit) and entry at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse consent; landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423 |
| Oklahoma | At least 1 day's notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times, for inspections, repairs, services, or showing the unit. No notice needed in an emergency or when impracticable. 41 O.S. § 128; remedies 41 O.S. § 124 |
| Tennessee | No general advance-notice requirement. In URLTA counties, the tenant may not unreasonably refuse consent to entry to inspect, repair, supply services, or show the unit. The landlord may enter without consent in an emergency, or when utilities are off through no fault of the landlord. Otherwise the landlord may enter only by court order, if the unit is abandoned or surrendered, if the tenant is deceased, incapacitated or incarcerated, or as the statute otherwise allows. Showings to prospective tenants in the final 30 days of the lease are allowed only if the lease provides for them and 24 hours' notice is given. The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. Non-URLTA counties: no statute; the lease governs entry. T.C.A. 66-28-403; ch. 66-7 (checked) |
City rules that may add to state law
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Landlord Entry Rules in Missouri FAQ
Can a landlord enter without notice in Missouri?
No statute — entry and notice before entry are governed by the lease. (RSMo Chs. 441, 534 and 535 (no section on landlord entry))
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.