524.160 Defendant may recover compensation for improvements, when.

524.160. Defendant may recover compensation for improvements, when. — If a judgment or decree of dispossession shall be given in an action for the recovery of possession of premises, or in any real action in favor of a person having a better title thereto, against a person in the possession, held by himself or by his tenant, of any lands, tenements or hereditaments, such person may recover, in a court of competent jurisdiction, compensation for all improvements made by him in good faith on such lands, tenements or hereditaments, prior to his having had notice of such adverse title.

(RSMo 1939 § 1548) Prior revisions: 1929 § 1384; 1919 § 1834; 1909 § 2401 (1979) A claim under this section must fail if it can be shown the improvements were made with notice to an adverse title. Morris v. Ulbright (A.), 591 S.W.2d 245.