This is a summary of Missouri Landlord-Tenant laws that apply to residential (non-commercial) rentals. These references were compiled from the Missouri Revised Statutes, and various online sources to serve as a reference and for people wanting to learn about Missouri landlord-tenant laws, Missouri eviction laws, and Missouri renters’ rights.
However, this guide is not comprehensive and PayRent does not warrant the accuracy of this information. Statutes can change any time the state legislature passes a new law. Additionally, counties and cities may have different regulations. Given its limitations, this guide is not an adequate substitute for legal advice from a knowledgeable lawyer. If you are dealing with a landlord-tenant issue, you seek guidance from a qualified attorney. If you need help finding an attorney, we’ve included a list of attorney referral services in this guide.
The security deposit cannot exceed two months’ rent. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(1))
No. Any interest earned on a security deposit shall be the property of the landlord. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(2))
Yes. All security deposits shall be held by landlord in a bank, credit union, or depository institution which is insured by an agency of the federal government. Security deposits shall not be commingled with other funds of the landlord. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(2))
No. There are no Missouri laws forbidding non-refundable fees or limiting the amount that landlords can charge.
Yes. Landlords can use the deposit to remedy a tenant’s default in the payment of rent due to the landlord, to restore the dwelling unit to its condition at the commencement of the tenancy, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and to compensate the landlord for actual damages sustained as a result of the tenant’s failure to give adequate notice to terminate. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(4))
Yes. The landlord must provide an itemized list of the damages for which the security deposit or any portion thereof is withheld. It must be mailed to the last known address of the tenant. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(3)(2))
No. There is no Missouri law requiring landlords to issue receipts for security deposits.
No. There is no Missouri law specifying record-keeping requirements.
The tenant can recover as damages twice the amount wrongfully withheld. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(4))
No. There are no rent control laws in Missouri.
No. There is no Missouri law requiring a certain payment method for rent.
Yes. There are no Missouri laws forbidding late fees or limiting the amount that landlords can charge.
No. There is no Missouri law requiring a grace period before assessing late fees.
Yes. There is no Missouri law forbidding application fees or limiting the amount that landlords can charge.
Yes. Landlords can charge a late fee of $25 plus the amount of the fee charged by the bank for each returned check. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 570.120(6))
No. There is no Missouri law requiring landlords to provide tenants with notice of rent increases between lease terms. However, landlords cannot raise your rent in the middle of your lease.
No. There is no Missouri law requiring landlords to provide tenants with notice of pesticide use on the rental property.
Yes. The landlord must give the tenant reasonable written notice at his last known address or in person of the date and time when the landlord will inspect the dwelling unit. The tenant has the right to be present at the inspection of the dwelling unit at the time and date scheduled by the landlord. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300(5))
There is no Missouri statute regarding this issue.
There is no Missouri law requiring landlords to give tenants notice of entry.
There is no Missouri statute regarding this issue.
There is no Missouri statute regarding this issue.
Landlords must disclose, in writing, to prospective tenants any knowledge of past methamphetamine production on the premises, regardless of whether those involved were convicted for such production. ( Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.236 ).
Yes. If there exists a condition on residential premises which detrimentally affects the habitability, sanitation or security of the premises, and the condition constitutes a violation of a local municipal housing or building code, the tenant may repair and deduct under certain circumstances outlined in the statute. c
There is no Missouri law regarding this issue.
Violation of lease terms / rental agreement (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.030)
Illegal gaming activity, prostitution, or the possession, sale, or distribution of controlled substances (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.020)
Illegal drug activity, causing physical injury to other tenants or the landlord, or severe property damage (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.740)
The tenant remains in possession without the landlord’s consent after expiration or termination of the term of the rental agreement (holdover tenancy) (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.880)
For evictions based on non-payment of rent, no notice is required, but the landlord cannot start the eviction process until the rent is one month behind. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.120)
No. If a landlord evicts a tenant using self-help methods, the landlord will be guilty of forcible entry and detainer. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.233)
Under Homestead Act of 1862, individuals (squatters) can possess the property if they have lived there for a specific period of time, done so publicly, made repairs to the property, have deed to the property and have paid rent or taxes on this property.
Missouri has no specific laws recognizing squatters.The squatter must live on the property for 10 years before claiming adverse possession. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.010).
Related Links
Government
Legal Aid
Realtor and Landlord-Tenant Associations
**Blog Article Disclaimer*
This blog article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is intended to offer general information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, laws and regulations are subject to change, and the legal landscape may vary based on jurisdiction. Therefore, we make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained in this article.
Reading, accessing, or using the information provided in this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author, and any reliance on the information is at your own risk. If you require legal advice or assistance, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney who can consider the specifics of your situation and provide advice accordingly.
The author and the platform disclaim any liability for any loss or damage incurred by individuals or entities as a result of the information presented in this blog. We recommend consulting a legal professional before making decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this article.
This disclaimer is subject to change without notice, and it is the responsibility of the reader to review and understand the disclaimer before relying on the information contained in the blog article.
PayRent is on a mission to build a rent collection app that fosters a positive and productive relationship between renters and landlords. We focus less on transactions and more on the people behind them.