Laclede County is located in south-central Missouri along Interstate 44, with the county seat of Lebanon (~15,000) also positioned on the historic Route 66 alignment. Named after Pierre Laclede, founder of St. Louis, the county has approximately 36,700 residents. Lebanon is the county’s commercial and judicial center, with approximately 44% of housing units renter-occupied — a notably high share. All evictions file with the 26th Judicial Circuit. Circuit Clerk: (417) 532-2471. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — one of the earlier closing times in Missouri. The 26th Circuit also serves Camden, Miller, Moniteau, and Morgan counties. Median household income is approximately $50,825. The poverty rate is approximately 18.2%. All landlord-tenant matters are governed by Missouri state law (RSMo Chapters 441, 534, and 535).
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinances. Missouri state law governs all residential rental matters.
Category
Details
Local Ordinances
Laclede County has no county-level landlord-tenant ordinances. Lebanon maintains its own property maintenance codes. Confirm current requirements with the City of Lebanon or applicable municipality.
Rent Control
Prohibited statewide. No municipality in Laclede County may impose rent caps or stabilization measures.
Security Deposit
Missouri does not cap security deposit amounts. Return within 30 days of move-out with itemized deduction list (RSMo §535.300). Document move-in condition thoroughly, particularly for older rural housing stock common in parts of the county.
26th Judicial Circuit
All Laclede County evictions file with the 26th Judicial Circuit at the Laclede County Government Center in Lebanon. Circuit Clerk: (417) 532-2471. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — closes earlier than most Missouri circuits. Also serves Camden, Miller, Moniteau, and Morgan counties. Laclede County matters file in Lebanon.
Court Hours Note
The 26th Circuit in Lebanon closes at 4:00 p.m. — earlier than most Missouri circuits. Plan all filings and appearances accordingly.
Business Entity Requirement
LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must be represented by a licensed Missouri attorney in landlord-tenant proceedings. Individual owners may appear pro se.
Last verified: 2026-04-01
🏛️ Laclede County Government Center
26th Judicial Circuit — Lebanon (closes 4pm)
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State statutes that apply throughout Laclede County
⚡ Quick Overview
0 (can file immediately when rent is past due)
Days Notice (Nonpayment)
10
Days Notice (Violation)
21-60
Avg Total Days
$$25-75
Filing Fee (Approx)
💰 Nonpayment of Rent
Notice TypeRent and Possession Petition (no advance notice required for nonpayment)
Notice Period0 (can file immediately when rent is past due) days
Tenant Can Cure?Yes - tenant can pay and stay before judgment; also after judgment before writ execution date
Days to Hearing5-21 days
Days to Writ10 days after judgment (appeal period) days
Total Estimated Timeline21-60 days
Total Estimated Cost$100-400
⚠️ Watch Out
CRITICAL: Missouri does NOT require advance notice for nonpayment - landlord can file Rent and Possession immediately after rent is due. No demand required if tenant owes 1+ full month rent (lawsuit itself is deemed sufficient demand). Petition must include: exact street address; lease terms (quote entire lease or attach copy); amount of rent due at time of filing; allegation that rent was demanded and not paid. STRONG pay-and-stay right: before judgment tenant pays rent + costs to stay; after judgment tenant pays full judgment amount before writ execution date. Landlord CANNOT refuse payment. Two separate tracks: Rent-and-Possession (Ch. 535 for nonpayment only) vs. Unlawful Detainer (Ch. 534 for violations). Late charges may be challenged as illegal penalties unless defined as liquidated damages in lease. Entities (LLC/Corp) MUST have attorney.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Associate Circuit Court - Rent and Possession (Ch. 535). Pay the filing fee (~$$25-75).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Missouri eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Missouri attorney or local legal aid organization.
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including background checks, credit history, income verification, and rental references — is one of the most
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⚠️ Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on state statutes and typical court timelines. Actual results vary by county, court backlog, and case specifics. Always verify current requirements with your local courthouse. This is not legal advice.
A Landlord’s Guide to Renting in Laclede County, Missouri
Laclede County is an I-44 corridor county in south-central Missouri, with Lebanon positioned at the intersection of Interstate 44, historic Route 66, and Missouri Routes 5, 32, and 64. Lebanon is the county’s commercial and residential center, a city of approximately 15,000 where approximately 44% of occupied housing units are renter-occupied — a high share reflecting the city’s working-class workforce and affordable housing costs.
Lebanon’s Economy and Tenant Pool
Lebanon’s economy benefits from its I-44 location, which drives transportation, distribution, and logistics employment alongside a retail and healthcare sector that serves the surrounding rural counties. The county’s poverty rate of approximately 18.2% is elevated relative to Missouri as a whole, making income verification especially important. Apply the three-times-rent income standard consistently and document all verification. Lebanon also sits on the historic Route 66 alignment, and some older housing along the old highway corridor may present maintenance considerations worth noting at lease signing.
The 26th Judicial Circuit
All Laclede County evictions file with the 26th Judicial Circuit at the Laclede County Government Center in Lebanon. Circuit Clerk: (417) 532-2471. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — earlier than most Missouri circuits, which typically close at 4:30 p.m. The 26th Circuit also serves Camden, Miller, Moniteau, and Morgan counties; all Laclede County matters file in Lebanon. LLCs and business entities must retain a licensed Missouri attorney for all proceedings.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about landlord-tenant law in Laclede County, Missouri and is not legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the 26th Judicial Circuit Court or a licensed Missouri attorney before taking legal action. Last updated: April 2026.
