Cal. Civ. Code § 534.260
Heirs, devisees entitled to what remedies
Operative Text
Heirs, devisees, grantees and assigns of any lands, tenements or other real possessions, and executors and administrators in charge of lands of deceased persons, shall be entitled to the same remedies against persons guilty of forcible entry and detainer or unlawful detainer of such lands, tenements or other real possessions, before the descent, devise, grant or assignment thereof, or the granting of letters, as the ancestor, devisor, grantor, assignor or intestate was entitled to by virtue of this chapter.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 534.260 extends the legal remedies available under Missouri's forcible entry and detainer laws to successors in interest of real property. When a property changes hands through inheritance, a will, a deed, or assignment — or when an estate is opened for a deceased owner — the new owner or estate representative inherits the same legal standing to pursue eviction or possession claims that the original owner would have had. This means that wrongful occupancy or unlawful detainer that began before the transfer of ownership can still be challenged by whoever now holds the property interest.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534.260, property owners who acquire real estate through purchase, inheritance, or estate administration do not lose the right to pursue forcible entry and detainer or unlawful detainer actions simply because the occupancy problem predates their ownership. Compliant operators in this situation typically document the chain of title or letters of administration to establish their standing before initiating any court proceeding. Heirs, grantees, and estate representatives generally confirm that the prior owner's remedies under Chapter 534 are available to them before proceeding with any detainer action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534.260 means that a change in property ownership — whether through sale, inheritance, or estate administration — does not extinguish an existing unlawful detainer or forcible entry claim against an occupant. Tenants facing such a claim brought by a new owner, heir, or estate representative should be aware that the successor steps into the legal shoes of the prior owner for purposes of these proceedings. Tenants in this situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how the transfer of ownership may affect any defenses available under Missouri's detainer statutes.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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