Missouri Landlord-Tenant Laws

Summary: Missouri’s landlord-tenant laws establish guidelines for lease agreements, including tenant rights, property habitability standards, and legal procedures for addressing disputes.

Security Deposit Regulations

Summary (§ 535.300(1), § 535.300(2)):

• Maximum Amount: Equivalent to two (2) months’ rent.
• Return Deadline: Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of lease termination.
• Itemized Deductions: Required for any deductions, such as damages beyond normal wear and tear.
• Interest: No requirement to pay interest on deposits as any interest collected belongs to the landlord.

Lease Termination Rules

Summary (§ 441.060): Both landlords and tenants must follow notice requirements:

• Landlord’s Notice: 30 days for month-to-month leases or per lease terms.
• Tenant’s Notice: 30 days for month-to-month leases.

Landlord’s Right of Entry

Summary (Landlord Tenant Law): Landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering the property, except in emergencies.

Rent Payment and Late Fees

Summary (§ 570.120(5)):

• Rent Due Date: Must be written in the lease.
• Late Fees: Must be reasonable and outlined in the lease agreement.
• NSF Fee: $25 per bounced rent check. If a tenant intentionally gives the landlord a bad check, the tenant will be charge with a penalty criminally and will pay a fine of $750 or more.

Eviction Procedures

Summary (§ 441.770): Missouri law requires landlords to follow legal eviction processes, including providing proper notice and obtaining a court order. The following rules for evictions below:

• Tenants must vacate within 24 hours if eviction grounds are proven, allowing landlords to reclaim the property.
• Individuals involved in criminal activity can be removed without ending the tenancy.
• Eviction or removal orders can be expedited by the court.
• Eviction may be delayed if immediate action poses significant danger outweighing community and plaintiff safety.

Property Maintenance Responsibilities

Summary: Landlords must make the property habitable and comply with local health and safety standards, including plumbing, heating, and structural maintenance.

Required Disclosures

Summary: Landlords must disclose specific information before or at the start of the lease:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (hud.gov): Required for properties built before 1978.
• Security Deposit Terms/Itemized List: (§ 535.300(3)(2)): Include written terms about deposit use and return. If the landlord withholds part of the security deposit for damages, they must provide an itemized list of damages to the tenant’s last known address.