Tenant stays beyond lease end date - Landlord rights?

[Ben Kirchner]

This is in a property, in Missouri.  I have a tenant who has been behind on rent for months, and lately has not paid anything.  HIs lease was set to end 7/31.  I communicated via email on 6/30 that his lease would not be renewed.  He has been on the property well beyond the lease end date.

As the landlord, what rights do I have to reclaim the property?  What would be the next steps?  Do I need to send certified mail, and go through the eviction process?  If that is the case, anyone who has gone through this - steps to take provided would be appreciated.   

[Nathan Gesner]

@Ben Kirchner the tenant is staying because you let them.

When a tenant violates a contract, you have to act swiftly and professionally. If you do that, they'll get the message that you know what you're doing and they'll move on to the next sucker. If you are slow to respond, are indecisive, or act emotionally rather than professionally, then they'll stick around because they see you as a toothless snake with a lot of hiss but no bite.

The best thing you could do is hire an attorney. You need someone acting on your behalf to take the bull by the horns and get this fixed. While they're handling that, you can work on educating yourself to be better prepared for the next tenant.