Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Missouri

Deadbeat Renters

Hi! I recently evicted an unmarried couple from my rental house. They owe me about $5000 in damages and past due rent. I plan to take them to small claims court, but since the max is $3000 I was wondering the best course to take. The man only does under the table work and she has a stable job. Can I sue for the rent owed then in a separate case sue for the damages? Since he doesn't work, it doesn't make sense to sue them each for half, I would get less money than just suing for the $3000 limit.


Asked on 1/15/08, 11:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Deadbeat Renters

You can file an action for rent and possession in the Associate Circuit Court and not have any concerns about the jurisdictional amount. Associate Circuit Court is not as formal as circuit court, and if the renters don't hire a lawyer it will go pretty easily for you. For $5,000 it would probably be worth paying a lawyer a 30% fee to get him to file the action for you, and handle the collection too.

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Answered on 1/16/08, 8:47 am


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