Tenant Rights and Responsibilities in Missouri: A Guide for New Renters

In Missouri, tenants have several key rights including: the right to a habitable living space, protection against unlawful discrimination, proper notice before landlord entry (typically 24 hours except in emergencies), security deposit protections (landlords must return deposits within 30 days of lease termination), and protection against retaliation. Missouri follows the implied warranty of habitability, meaning your landlord must maintain the property in a livable condition.

Missouri law limits security deposits to no more than two months' rent. The landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after your lease ends, along with an itemized list of any deductions. If the landlord fails to comply with these requirements, you may be entitled to recover the deposit plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

Missouri law doesn't specifically state how much notice a landlord must give before entering a rental property. However, common practice and court precedent generally require 'reasonable notice,' which is typically considered to be 24 hours except in emergency situations. Your lease may specify notice requirements, so check your rental agreement for details.

In Missouri, either the landlord or tenant must provide at least one month's notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. This notice should be given before the next rent payment is due. For example, if rent is due on the 1st of each month and you want to move out by June 30, you should give notice before June 1.

In Missouri, landlords must follow specific legal procedures for eviction: (1) provide written notice (typically 10 days for non-payment of rent, 30 days for lease violations); (2) file an unlawful detainer lawsuit if you don't comply; (3) attend a court hearing where you can present your defense; (4) if the landlord wins, they'll receive a judgment for possession; (5) only a sheriff can physically remove you from the property. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal.

Missouri has no statewide rent control laws, so landlords can generally raise rent by any amount when a lease term ends. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least one month's notice before implementing a rent increase. If you have a fixed-term lease, the rent cannot be increased during the lease period unless the lease specifically allows for it.

Missouri landlords must maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, including functioning plumbing, electricity, heating, and structural elements. They must comply with local building and housing codes. If essential services fail, notify your landlord in writing immediately. If they fail to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time, you may have options like repair-and-deduct (making the repair yourself and deducting the cost from rent), but you should consult with a lawyer before withholding rent.

Breaking a lease early in Missouri typically results in liability for the remaining rent. However, there are exceptions: active military duty deployment, uninhabitable conditions, landlord harassment, or if your lease has an early termination clause. Missouri landlords have a duty to mitigate damages by trying to re-rent the unit. If they find a new tenant, your liability ends when the new tenant begins paying rent.

Yes, Missouri tenants are protected by both federal and state fair housing laws. The Missouri Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, and familial status. Some local ordinances may provide additional protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income. If you believe you've experienced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights within 180 days of the incident.