Cal. Civ. Code § 535.150
Judgment for recovery of demised premises
Operative Text
If, upon the trial of such action, it is proved, or, upon judgment by default, it appear to the court, by affidavit, that the plaintiff had a right to commence such action according to the provisions of this chapter, he shall have judgment to recover the possession of the demised premises and costs.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.150 establishes the standard for a court to enter judgment in a landlord's favor in an eviction (unlawful detainer) action. If the plaintiff demonstrates—either through evidence at trial or, in a default proceeding, through affidavit—that they had a legal right to bring the action under Chapter 535, the court must award both possession of the rental property and court costs. The provision sets out the threshold showing required before a court can order a tenant to vacate.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.150, a landlord who brings an eviction action must be prepared to demonstrate at trial that the action was properly initiated under Chapter 535's requirements. In a default situation, an affidavit establishing that right to sue is generally submitted to the court. Operators who maintain thorough documentation of lease terms, notices, and compliance with statutory prerequisites are generally better positioned to meet this evidentiary standard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.150 means that a court can only award possession to a landlord who proves they had a valid legal basis to file the eviction action under Chapter 535 in the first place. A tenant facing eviction may have grounds to contest whether the landlord actually met those statutory prerequisites—for example, whether proper notice was given or whether the action was filed in accordance with Missouri law. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help explain what defenses may be available when a landlord's right to bring the action is in question.
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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