Landlord Laws in Missouri

Missouri is generally considered a landlord-friendly state. With no rent control, flexible rules on security deposits and late fees, and straightforward eviction procedures, it's an attractive place for property investors and rental unit owners.

Landlords in Missouri must still follow all relevant federal, state, and local laws. These laws cover important aspects like lease agreements, property maintenance, rent collection, tenant privacy, and the legal eviction process. Ignoring or misunderstanding these laws can lead to disputes, fines, or even an eviction lawsuit.

Missouri landlord laws are outlined in the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441 and Chapter 535. While this article highlights key state-level rules landlords need to know, laws can change, and local ordinances may add further requirements. For any issues or disputes, it’s ideal to consult with an experienced Missouri real estate attorney.

Disclaimer: Innago does not provide legal advice. The content and materials in this article are for general informational purposes and may not be the most up-to-date information.

NEW! 2025 Missouri Rental Laws

The following new rental laws passed in Missouri in recent years:

• Eviction Moratoriums and Property Transfers (SB 895): Effective August 28, 2024, Missouri law bans local governments from issuing eviction moratoriums without state approval and requires all title transfers of rental properties with outstanding collectible judgments to be filed with the circuit court within 30 days.

Missouri Quick Facts

Rights and Responsibilities of Missouri Landlords and Tenants

Missouri law outlines rights and responsibilities for both landlords and tenants to ensure fair rental arrangements. Lease agreements define many terms, but must comply with Missouri’s landlord-tenant statutes. Landlords must provide habitable living conditions and follow legal eviction procedures, while tenants are expected to pay rent on time and maintain the property in good condition. Understanding these obligations helps both parties avoid legal disputes.

Missouri landlords have the right to:

• Collect rent as agreed in the lease and pursue legal remedies for unpaid rent.
• Charge a security deposit, capped at two months' rent, and use it to cover unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear.
• Screen prospective tenants, including running background and credit checks, ensuring practices comply with fair housing laws.
• Enter the rental unit for inspections, repairs, or showings with reasonable notice unless in an emergency.
• Enforce lease terms regarding occupancy limits, pets, and other conditions if they do not violate state law.
• Evict tenants for legal reasons such as nonpayment of rent, lease violations, or illegal activities, following proper court procedures.

Missouri landlords are responsible for:

• Providing safe, habitable housing with working heat, electricity, plumbing, and structural safety.
• Performing repairs within a reasonable timeframe after being notified.
• Following all applicable codes for building, health, and safety.
• Returning the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized statement of deductions.
• Refraining from shutting off utilities or changing locks to force a tenant out. Such actions are illegal without a court order.
• Honoring the terms of the lease and any legal protections provided under state and federal law.
• Maintaining common areas in safe and clean condition in multi-unit buildings.

Missouri tenants have the right to:

• Live in housing that is safe and fit to occupy, with functional utilities and no serious hazards.
• Take legal action if the landlord fails to meet basic habitability standards or enters the property without notice.
• Receive advance notice before rent increases, entry, or lease termination.
• Enjoy privacy and quiet use of the property, and be protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
• Be free from retaliation for reporting code violations or asserting legal rights.

Missouri tenants are responsible for:

• Paying rent on time and in full, including any late fees.
• Abiding by the lease agreement and all specific rules outlined in it.
• Keeping the unit clean, safe, and in good condition.
• Reporting needed repairs to the landlord promptly.
• Not damaging the property or permitting others to do so.
• Using appliances and fixtures properly and maintaining them when required.
• Notifying the landlord in writing 30 days prior if planning to move out at the end of the lease period or during a month-to-month tenancy.
• Using the unit only as a residence and not for unauthorized business or illegal activity.

Missouri Required Disclosures

Landlords in Missouri must provide tenants with certain disclosures before or at the start of a lease. These disclosures ensure tenant awareness of potential health risks or property-related concerns, like lead-based paint hazards. Failing to make these disclosures can result in legal penalties or liability.

• Lead-based paint (Title X, Section 1018) — Landlords in all 50 states must include information about lead-based paint hazards in the rental agreements for most properties built before 1978. Sellers and landlords must distribute an EPA-approved information pamphlet called “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” and disclose any known lead hazards in the property. These obligations were established by Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.

Additional Reading: Missouri Residential Lease Agreement

Missouri Rent and Fee Laws

Missouri landlord laws provide landlords and tenants with considerable flexibility regarding rent-related terms. While rent control is banned, landlords can charge application and late fees and enforce payment policies as outlined in the lease agreement. However, there are legal limits on bounced check fees and tenant rights about essential repairs.

Rent Payments

• Due Date: There is no statute in Missouri specifying when rent should be due.
• Rent Increases: Rent control is banned in Missouri (MRS § 441.043).
• Grace Period: Missouri rent laws do not designate a mandatory grace period.

Fees

• Application Fees: Rental application fees are not regulated in Missouri.
• Late Fees: There are no statutory limits on late fees in Missouri. A standard late fee for rent is 5-10% of the amount due.
• NSF/Bounced Check Fee Maximum: The landlord may charge $25 for checks less than $100 and $50 for checks between $100 and $250 if the rent check bounces (MRS § 570.120).

Tenant Remedies

• Withholding Rent/Repair and Deduct: If the landlord refuses to remedy a condition threatening the habitability, tenants should give 14 days' notice of intent to repair and deduct. If unresolved, tenants may arrange repairs, ensuring the cost doesn't exceed one month's rent (MRS § 441.234).

Missouri Security Deposit Laws

Missouri landlord laws regulate how much landlords can charge for a security deposit and outline strict requirements for handling those funds. Landlords must store deposits in an insured financial institution and return them within a set timeframe, along with a detailed list of deductions.

• Deposit Limit: 2 months’ rent (MRS § 535.300(1)).
• Interest: If the security deposit accrues interest, it belongs to the landlord (MRS § 535.300(2)).
• Return Within: 30 days (MRS § 535.300(3)).
• Withholding: The landlord may withhold funds for unpaid rent, to remedy property damage, or compensate for failure to give adequate notice (MRS § 535.300(3-4)).

Missouri Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections

What actions are considered housing discrimination?

Tenants have legal protection against unfair housing practices under both federal and state law. The Federal Fair Housing Act (Title 24 USC § 3601-3607) prohibits unlawful discrimination in all aspects of housing. Discrimination occurs when a landlord treats a tenant or applicant unfairly due to protected characteristics during any part of the rental process, including:

• Accepting or denying tenant applications
• Choosing screening criteria
• Advertising or writing listings
• Setting rent amounts or security deposits
• Applying rent credits or discounts
• Performing maintenance or repairs
• Enforcing lease terms or pursuing eviction
• etc.

What are the protected classes in Missouri?

The Federal Fair Housing Act protects tenants from discrimination based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• National origin
• Familial status
• Disability

In addition, Missouri’s Human Rights Act (MRS § 213.040) also prohibits housing discrimination based on:

• Ancestry

Check with your local human rights commission for more details about protected classes in your area.

Use of Credit Reports

Missouri landlords are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (15 USC § 1681), which outlines the responsibilities of landlords to protect tenant credit information. According to the Act, landlords may not share tenant credit information with anyone without a legal reason to view it. They must also investigate disputed information, dispose of credit reports after use in tenant screening, and notify applicants when their credit score or history was the reason for their denial.

Use of Criminal Histories

Criminal background checks may be used during tenant screening in Missouri. Iowa landlords should follow the guide set by the Fair Housing Act for using criminal background checks fairly. This includes avoiding blanket policies for denying applicants with criminal convictions, assessing applicants and their criminal histories on a case-by-case basis, and only denying an applicant when they demonstrate a risk to the safety of other residents or the property.

Additional Reading: Missouri Background Checks & Screening Online

Missouri Landlord Entry Laws

Missouri landlord laws provide broad access to rental units, with few restrictions. While providing notice is best practice, Missouri does not legally require advance notice for entry, though unauthorized entry can lead to tenant disputes.

• Advanced Notice: No state law requires advance notice for entry.
• Permitted Times: No time-of-day restrictions, but reasonable entry times are advised.
• Emergency Entry: Generally permitted without notice.

Missouri Eviction Notices

Evictions are complex and must follow legal procedures. Assessing tenant situations with a real estate attorney is advised to ensure compliance with Missouri's eviction process.

• Rent Demand Notice: Landlords can file for eviction immediately if rent is unpaid (MRS § 535.010).
• Notice for Lease Violation: 10 days to cure or quit (MRS § 441.040).
• Unconditional Notice to Quit: 10 days to quit (MRS § 441.020).

Additional Reading: Missouri Eviction Process and Laws [2025]

Missouri Squatter's Rights

Missouri landlord laws require landlords to use formal eviction processes to remove unauthorized occupants, avoiding self-help measures like changing locks or altering utilities.

Squatters can claim adverse possession by occupying property openly and continuously for at least ten years while paying property taxes. However, legal action should be carefully considered with an attorney.

Additional Reading: Missouri Squatter's Rights & Adverse Possession Laws [2025]

Other Laws and Facts About Missouri

• The current average rent rate in Missouri is $1,350 per month, according to Zillow.
• The Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects active service members, allowing lease termination under certain conditions with written notice.

Conclusion

Missouri’s rental laws favor landlords but require compliance with key rules on security deposits, evictions, and tenant rights. Staying informed and using clear, legal lease agreements helps avoid disputes. For complicated issues, consult a real estate attorney.

FAQs

Is Missouri a landlord-friendly state?

Yes, Missouri is considered landlord-friendly due to its lack of rent control, flexible rules on security deposits, and straightforward eviction procedures.

Are there any rent control laws in Missouri?

No, rent control is banned in Missouri. Landlords have flexibility in setting rent prices.

Can landlords charge application fees?

Yes, there are no regulations on rental application fees in Missouri.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge?

Landlords can charge a security deposit up to two months' rent.

When must a landlord return the security deposit?

Security deposits must be returned within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of deductions where applicable.

How soon can a landlord start the eviction process for unpaid rent?

Landlords may file for eviction immediately if rent is unpaid when due.

What notice must be given for a lease violation?

Landlords must give a 10-day notice to cure or quit for lease violations.

Can tenants withhold rent for repairs?

Yes, tenants can withhold rent or make necessary repairs and deduct the cost if the landlord fails to address major issues within legally defined circumstances.

Free Downloads

1. Missouri Residential Lease Agreement Template
2. Missouri Quitclaim Deed
3. Missouri Rent Demand Notice
4. Missouri Petition for Rent and Possession
5. Missouri Lease Termination Letter Form

Resources

1. Missouri Eviction Process & Laws [2025]
2. Landlord Tenant Forms
3. Missouri Revised Statutes – Chapter 441 & 535
4. Missouri Housing Market Trends & Forecast
5. Real Estate Terms & Definitions