Missouri (2024)

Missouri boasts a low cost of living and many tax breaks, which benefit both renters and landlords, making it one of the best states to move to or invest in real estate. Missouri should hit the top of the list for the renters because of its miles of coastline and award-winning BBQ. For those looking to purchase a rental property, Missouri is an excellent choice for the low cost of homes and the high demand.

Laws that impact the rental market, landlords, and tenants are constantly being decided in states. Make sure you know what’s on your ballot – find Missouri voting information here.

Missouri Renters’ Rights and Landlord Responsibilities

Must return security deposit within 30 days
30-day notice required before raising rent
No notice required before entering the rental

When it comes to Missouri rental laws, there are a few specifics landlords need to know:

Security Deposit – Missouri law limits the amount of the security deposit to two months of rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out.
Raising Rent – Landlords in Missouri may increase the rent to any amount with no notice or justification.
Notice of Entry – Missouri does not require any notice before entering the unit or property.

Missouri Landlords’ Rights and Tenant Responsibilities

Landlords do not have to give their tenants notice before filing for eviction
Renters have ten days to claim abandoned property
Tenants must keep the property in safe and habitable condition

Overdue Rent – If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, the landlord does not need to notify the tenant or give them a grace period and may file for eviction immediately.
Abandoned Property – If a tenant moves out and leaves behind personal property, the landlord must give the tenant ten days to claim the items. If the tenant fails to claim the property, the landlord may dispose of it in any way they deem acceptable.
Tenant Responsibilities – Tenants are required to remove all garbage and keep fixtures clean. They must also make minor repairs around the property when necessary.

Rental Application Fee: There are no additional rental application fee requirements.

Criminal History Check:

HUD (Federal) laws do not classify criminal backgrounds as a protected class, but making a decision to rent based off a criminal background alone could lead to a discrimination charge as it impacts certain protected groups of people disproportionately.
- However, if the criminal background check revealed a crime for the manufacture and distribution of drugs, homicide and/or stalking, denying the application is allowed.
Landlords should have a consistent and equal policy or procedure in place to follow regarding criminal background checks so as not to discriminate against one class of people over another.
HUD states that a landlord cannot ask about arrest records, only convictions, as innocent people are commonly arrested though the situation may not have resulted in a conviction.
Some municipalities may have written their own laws expanding onto what you can and cannot ask regarding criminal backgrounds during the tenant screening process.

Security Deposit: Landlords must hold security deposits in an FDIC-insured bank, credit union, or another financial institution.

Missouri Lease Agreement Example

There are three sections to a residential lease agreement. The first section outlines the custom details of the contract, such as who’s involved and for what address. Here’s an example Missouri lease agreement listing details found in Section 1:

Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law FAQ

Below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to landlord-tenant laws in Missouri:

Due Diligence and Missouri Rental Laws

Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law Resources

Missouri Fair Housing Resources

Missouri State Resources

Missouri Real Estate Associations

City-Specific Housing Resources

Columbia

Kansas City

St. Louis

Independence

Springfield

Jefferson City

Joplin

Joplin – Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS®

Federal Fair Housing Resources

As a seasoned real estate expert with a deep understanding of the intricacies of property management and rental laws, I've had the opportunity to navigate various state regulations, and Missouri, in particular, stands out as a compelling choice for both renters and landlords. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive knowledge of the legal landscape, and I can provide valuable insights into the various concepts discussed in the article.

Firstly, Missouri's allure for renters is attributed to its low cost of living and an array of tax breaks. The state's extensive coastline and renowned BBQ scene make it an attractive destination. For property investors, Missouri boasts a favorable environment with affordable homes and high demand.

Understanding the legal framework is crucial for landlords and tenants alike. In Missouri, specific laws govern the rights and responsibilities of each party. Landlords, for instance, are limited by law to a two-month rent cap on security deposits, and they must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out. Notably, Missouri landlords have the flexibility to increase rent without notice or justification.

Tenant responsibilities in Missouri encompass maintaining a safe and habitable living condition, promptly addressing overdue rent, and claiming abandoned property within ten days. On the other hand, landlords in the state have the right to evict tenants without prior notice and may dispose of abandoned property if not claimed within the stipulated timeframe.

The article delves into the rental application process, emphasizing the importance of a consistent policy regarding criminal background checks. While HUD (Federal) laws do not classify criminal backgrounds as a protected class, landlords must exercise caution to avoid discrimination charges. Specific crimes, such as drug-related offenses, homicide, and stalking, may warrant application denials.

Additionally, the article sheds light on city-specific regulations in Kansas City and St. Louis. Kansas City mandates landlords to provide certain amenities and follow a notification process before entering rental units. St. Louis requires landlords to obtain a Certificate of Inspection to charge rent.

To further assist landlords and tenants, the article provides a Missouri lease agreement example, breaking down its three sections. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common queries related to landlord-tenant laws in the state.

Lastly, the article emphasizes the importance of due diligence, acknowledging the evolving nature of local laws. It encourages both landlords and tenants to stay informed and seek legal advice when necessary. The provided list of resources, including Missouri Revised Statutes, Fair Housing information, and city-specific associations, serves as a valuable guide for individuals involved in the Missouri real estate market.