Cal. Civ. Code § 441.170
Remedy of executor or administrator
Operative Text
The executors or administrators of any person to whom any rent shall have been due and unpaid at the time of the death of such person may have the same remedy, by action against the tenant, his executors or administrators, for the recovery thereof, that their testator or intestate might have if living.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.170 addresses what happens to unpaid rent obligations when a landlord dies. Under this provision, the deceased landlord's estate — represented by an executor or administrator — retains the legal right to pursue any rent that was owed but not paid at the time of death. The rule ensures that the death of either the landlord or the tenant does not extinguish an existing rent debt, since the law allows claims to be brought against the tenant's estate as well.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.170, any rent that remains unpaid at the time of a landlord's death does not simply disappear. The deceased owner's executor or administrator generally documents outstanding rent balances as part of estate administration and may pursue collection through the same legal channels the landlord could have used while living. Keeping clear, up-to-date rent ledgers and lease records helps an estate representative identify and substantiate any such claims.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.170 means that a tenant's obligation to pay rent does not end if their landlord dies — the landlord's estate can still pursue unpaid amounts. Tenants should understand that this right runs in both directions: if a tenant dies with rent outstanding, the landlord's estate may bring a claim against the tenant's estate as well. Tenants or their representatives dealing with such a situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand available options and any applicable defenses.
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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