At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | 2 months' rent | No statutory limit, but 2 months is the standard maximum |
| Rent control? | No | State preemption law prohibits local rent control ordinances |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 30 days | For month-to-month tenancies; lease term governs otherwise |
| Lease required in writing? | Yes, for leases > 1 year | Month-to-month can be oral |
| Landlord entry notice? | No statute | Reasonable notice implied by common law |
Security Deposits
Missouri law limits security deposits to a maximum of 2 months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
The landlord must hold the deposit and return it with proper accounting. If the landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit, the tenant may recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
cite: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300
Eviction Procedures
Missouri requires landlords to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing belongings) are illegal.
Notice Requirements
- Immediate Demand: For nonpayment of rent, the landlord may make an immediate demand for payment or possession
- 10-Day Notice: For material lease violations, giving the tenant the opportunity to cure
- 30-Day Notice: For termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause
- Immediate Action: For illegal activity on the premises
After the notice period expires or demand is made, the landlord must file a rent-and-possession or unlawful detainer action in circuit court and obtain a court order before proceeding with eviction.
cite: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.010
Rent Control
Missouri does not have statewide rent control. Furthermore, the state has a preemption law that prohibits local municipalities from enacting their own rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies. Rent increases during a fixed-term lease are governed by the terms of the lease agreement.
cite: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.043
Lease Agreements
Missouri requires leases longer than one year to be in writing under the Statute of Frauds. Oral agreements are enforceable for month-to-month or shorter-term tenancies.
Required Disclosures
Missouri landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties)
- Landlord identity: The name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and to receive legal notices and service of process
- Known defects: Disclosure of any known material defects that could affect the tenant's health or safety
- Methamphetamine contamination: If the property was previously used for methamphetamine production, the landlord must disclose this fact
cite: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.185
Tenant Rights
Missouri provides the following protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in reasonable repair and comply with applicable building and housing codes
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting code violations or requesting repairs
- Discrimination protection: The Missouri Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, disability, and familial status
- Essential services: Landlords may not shut off essential services such as water, heat, or electricity as a means of eviction
- Right to possession: Tenants have the right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises without unreasonable interference from the landlord