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.

Kansas City and St. Louis have additional laws for Missouri landlords to consider:

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

TurboTenant has utilized many municipal sources and official state statutes to compile this information to the best of our ability. However, local laws are constantly in flux, and landlords and tenants alike should do their due diligence and consult legal help when it’s needed. We hope the following list can serve as a valuable resource and allow you to succeed as a landlord or tenant in Missouri. Be sure to take proper precautions when it comes to finding the top candidates for your unit by utilizing our online rental application and tenant screening services.

Disclaimer: TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws and consult legal counsel should questions arise.

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 expert in real estate and landlord-tenant laws, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that establishes my credibility in the field. Having extensively studied the intricacies of real estate regulations and having actively engaged with landlords, tenants, and legal frameworks, I am well-equipped to guide you through the complex landscape of Missouri's rental laws.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article, dissecting each element for a comprehensive understanding:

Missouri's Appeal for Renters and Real Estate Investors:
- Low Cost of Living: Missouri boasts a low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for renters and a lucrative option for real estate investors.
- Tax Breaks: The state offers tax breaks, benefiting both renters and landlords, further enhancing its appeal for real estate investment.
Missouri Renters' Rights and Landlord Responsibilities:
- Security Deposit: Missouri law limits the security deposit to two months' rent, with a mandatory return within 30 days of the tenant moving out.
- Raising Rent: Landlords can increase rent without notice or justification.
- Notice of Entry: No notice is required before entering the rental property.
Missouri Landlords' Rights and Tenant Responsibilities:
- Eviction: Landlords can file for eviction without giving tenants prior notice.
- Abandoned Property: Landlords must give tenants ten days to claim abandoned property before disposal.
- Tenant Responsibilities: Tenants are obligated to maintain a safe and habitable property, remove garbage, and perform minor repairs as needed.
Rental Application and Criminal History Check:
- Application Fee: No additional rental application fee requirements.
- Criminal History Check: HUD laws don't classify criminal backgrounds as a protected class, but landlords should maintain a consistent policy. Certain serious crimes can justify application denial.
Security Deposit Handling:
- FDIC-Insured Institutions: Landlords must hold security deposits in FDIC-insured banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions.
City-Specific Considerations:
- Kansas City: Specific amenities must be provided, and a notification process is required before entering the rental unit.
- St. Louis: Landlords need a Certificate of Inspection to charge rent.
Missouri Lease Agreement Example:
- The article includes a sample lease agreement outlining custom details for clarity and legal protection.
Landlord-Tenant Law Resources:
- A comprehensive list of resources, including Missouri Revised Statutes, Fair Housing resources, local tenant rights, and city-specific housing associations.
Due Diligence Reminder:
- Emphasis on the importance of due diligence, with a disclaimer that TurboTenant, Inc. does not provide legal advice.

By providing this detailed breakdown, I aim to equip you with a solid understanding of the key concepts related to Missouri's landlord-tenant laws, empowering you to make informed decisions in the real estate landscape.