⏱️ $550 Evictions: How Long Do They Take?

One of the most common questions landlords ask us is simple: “How long will my eviction take?”

For our $550 Rent & Possession evictions, the short answer is:👉 On average, 45–60 days from filing to possession.

That said, there are situations where an eviction can take longer — sometimes significantly longer — and understanding why helps set realistic expectations.

What the Typical Timeline Looks Like

In a straightforward case with no complications, the process generally includes:

• Filing the petition and issuing summons

• Service on the tenant

• A court date and judgment

• Scheduling the sheriff for possession

  
  

When everything goes smoothly, cases often fall within the 45–60 day window.

Why Some Evictions Take Longer

Certain circumstances can extend the timeline, including:

• Service delaysIf a tenant avoids service or requires multiple attempts, the case slows down.

• Tenant requests for continuancesCourts routinely grant reasonable extensions, particularly early in a case.

• Court or sheriff backlogSome divisions experience heavier caseloads, which affects scheduling.

• Tenants represented by counselWhen a tenant hires an attorney, they are often advised to assert procedural defenses, request continuances, and fully exercise their right to defend the case. Judges almost always allow additional time in these situations to ensure due process, which can meaningfully extend the timeline.

• Lease-imposed waiting periodsSome leases require landlords to:

  • provide written notice and wait a specific number of days before filing, or

  • allow a “cure period” after notice before pursuing eviction.

  Even if Missouri law would allow filing sooner, your lease may require you to wait longer — and courts will enforce those provisions.

• Notice or payment issuesFiling too early, serving defective notice, or accepting rent at the wrong time can delay or derail a case.

  
  

What We Control — and What We Don’t

We move cases forward as efficiently as Missouri law allows by:

• reviewing your lease and notice before filing,

• selecting the correct case type, and

• ensuring pleadings and service are done properly the first time.

  
  

However, court calendars, tenant strategy, judicial discretion, and lease language are outside anyone’s control — and no attorney can ethically guarantee a specific timeline.

This lack of control provides an important point that we always push: SETTLING OUTSIDE OF COURT IS ALMOST ALWAYS QUICKER. 

This is why we are always trying to offer tenants “win-win” scenarios. Getting you paid ASAP - whether by the current tenant or the next tenant - is always the #1 goal. Collections actions and collections agencies remain on the table to collect rent due from a past tenant.

Best,

Landlord Legal STL