How quickly must I file my appeal to stay an eviction lockout in Missouri?

You must file your Notice of Appeal and pay the bond within 10 days of the eviction judgment to stay a sheriff lockout.

What is an appeal bond, and why do I have to pay it?

An appeal bond is a payment set by the court to cover rent while your appeal is pending; it is required for your stay to take effect.

Where do I file my Notice of Appeal?

You file your Notice of Appeal with the clerk of the Missouri Circuit Court that issued your eviction judgment.

Will sheriff deputies still lock me out if I file an appeal late?

If you file your appeal or bond late, the sheriff may proceed with the lockout based on the court’s orders.

Can I get legal help if I can't afford the appeal bond?

Legal aid organizations may help you request a reduced bond or provide advice. Contact them promptly for assistance.

How to Delay a Sheriff Lockout with an Appeal in Missouri

Evictions & Lease Violations Missouri published: June 21, 2025

If you're facing eviction in Missouri and a judge has ruled against you, you may worry about being locked out by the sheriff. Missouri law gives renters a last opportunity to appeal the eviction and temporarily pause ("stay") the sheriff lockout. This article explains your rights, available appeals, crucial forms, and where to find help—all in clear, accessible language.

Understanding the Missouri Eviction Process and Sheriff Lockouts

After a court rules in favor of your landlord, they may obtain a "judgment for possession" from a Missouri Circuit Court. Your landlord can then request a Writ of Restitution, allowing local law enforcement—usually the sheriff—to physically remove you from the rental unit. The period between the judgment and the lockout is often short, sometimes as little as a few days. However, renters have a legal right to appeal the eviction judgment, which can temporarily stay (pause) the lockout if done correctly.^[1]

How Appeals Can Temporarily Stop a Sheriff Lockout

Filing an appeal is your official way to challenge the eviction judgment. In Missouri, an appeal is available even in landlord-tenant cases and must be filed within 10 days of the original judgment. When you file your appeal and the required bond, the eviction cannot move forward until your appeal is decided or dismissed. This is sometimes called a "stay of execution."^[2]

Key Terms Explained

Stay: A legal pause or hold, stopping further action on the eviction until the appeal is resolved.
Appeal Bond: A payment or guarantee (sometimes called a "supersedeas bond") you must post to cover any potential rent during the appeal process.
Writ of Restitution: The court order that authorizes the sheriff to carry out the lockout.

Required Forms and How to Use Them

Notice of Appeal (Missouri Supreme Court Form 19-B)
Download the official Notice of Appeal form from the Missouri Courts website. Use this form to start your appeal. Complete all sections, file it with the clerk of the court where your eviction was ordered, and submit it within 10 days of the judgment date. For example, you lost your eviction case on April 1; you must file the Notice of Appeal by April 11. Bring proof of any appeal bond payment.
Appeal (Supersedeas) Bond
There is no universal form, but the court will instruct you on bond requirements. The bond amount is usually set to cover ongoing rent while the appeal is pending. Confirm details with your court clerk. Documentation is needed when filing your appeal.

Action Step: Talk to the court clerk if you have questions about completing the Notice of Appeal or calculating the bond.

What Happens After Filing an Appeal?

Once your appeal (with bond) is accepted, eviction enforcement—including the sheriff’s lockout—is put on hold. The case moves to the Missouri Circuit Court for review. You must continue paying rent and follow all court and landlord instructions during your appeal. Missing payments or a deadline may cancel your stay and let the lockout proceed.

If you’re unsure about filing or cannot afford the bond, reach out to free legal aid in Missouri for urgent advice. Eviction cases move on fast timelines, so act quickly!

The Tribunal Handling Eviction Appeals in Missouri

Eviction cases start in the Missouri Circuit Courts and are appealed to the Circuit Court or Missouri Court of Appeals, depending on the type and location of your case. The Circuit Court is the main tribunal for residential tenancy cases.^[3]

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

Eviction appeals, lockouts, and tenant protections are governed by the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 534 – Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer and Chapter 535 – Landlord-Tenant Actions.^[4]

Step-by-Step: How to File an Appeal and Stay an Eviction Lockout in Missouri

Review your written judgment for the deadline and instructions to appeal (usually 10 days).
Obtain and complete the Notice of Appeal form (Form 19-B).
Ask the court clerk about the required appeal bond amount and how to pay it.
File the completed Notice of Appeal with the court clerk. Bring your proof of bond payment.
Keep a copy for your records. Confirm with the court that the sheriff’s lockout is paused.

Act as soon as possible—the court cannot delay the lockout unless the appeal and bond are filed on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly must I file my appeal to stay an eviction lockout in Missouri?
You must file your Notice of Appeal and pay the bond within 10 days of the judgment date to put a temporary pause (stay) on the sheriff's lockout.
What is an appeal bond, and why do I have to pay it?
An appeal bond is a payment set by the court to cover ongoing rent and costs while your appeal is pending. It's required to protect the landlord from missed rent and to allow your case to be reviewed without eviction proceeding immediately.
Where do I file my Notice of Appeal?
You file your Notice of Appeal with the clerk of the Missouri Circuit Court that issued your eviction judgment. Ask the clerk for any local forms or requirements.
Will sheriff deputies still lock me out if I file an appeal late?
If your appeal or bond is late or not accepted, the sheriff can move forward with the lockout based on the court’s writ. Time is critical—file as soon as possible.
Can I get legal help if I can't afford the appeal bond?
Some nonprofit legal aid programs may help you request a reduced bond. Ask the court and contact free legal aid for help immediately.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

Missouri renters can delay a sheriff lockout by filing a Notice of Appeal and paying an appeal bond on time.
The Notice of Appeal (Form 19-B) and instructions are available from the Missouri Courts website.
Act quickly—deadlines are short, usually 10 days from judgment. Ask the court clerk and seek legal help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Missouri Courts – Circuit Courts contact list
Legal Aid of Western Missouri (free legal help for renters in many counties)
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (help in St. Louis and surrounding areas)
Missouri Eviction Law (Chapter 534)
Missouri Landlord-Tenant Actions (Chapter 535)

See Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 534 for details on eviction procedures.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 534.380 and § 535.110 govern the appeal and stay process.
The Missouri Circuit Courts hear landlord-tenant cases.
Official Missouri tenant legislation: Chapter 534; Chapter 535.