Renting Out Your Property in Missouri: A Landlord's Guide

Familiarize yourself with Missouri's landlord-tenant laws, particularly Chapter 535 (Landlord-Tenant Actions) and Chapter 441 (Landlord and Tenant) of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Understanding these laws will help you avoid legal issues and ensure compliance with state regulations regarding security deposits, evictions, maintenance responsibilities, and tenant rights.

Check with your local municipality about required business licenses for rental properties. Many Missouri cities require landlords to obtain a business license or rental property permit. Requirements vary by location, so contact your city or county clerk's office to determine specific requirements for your area.

Complete the application for your rental property business license. Include all required information such as property address, number of units, owner contact information, and any other details required by your local municipality. Be prepared to pay applicable fees and possibly undergo property inspections as part of the licensing process.

Develop a comprehensive rental application to screen potential tenants. Include sections for personal information, rental history, employment details, income verification, references, and authorization for background and credit checks. Ensure your screening process complies with Fair Housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Create a legally compliant Missouri lease agreement that clearly outlines all terms and conditions of the tenancy. Include rent amount, due date, lease term, security deposit details, maintenance responsibilities, pet policies, and other important provisions. Missouri law has specific requirements regarding certain lease provisions, so ensure your lease complies with state law.

Federal law requires landlords of properties built before 1978 to disclose known information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Provide tenants with an EPA-approved pamphlet on identifying and managing lead-based paint risks and include disclosure language in your lease or as a separate attachment.

Develop a detailed checklist to document the condition of the property at move-in and move-out. Include all rooms, fixtures, appliances, and exterior areas. Take date-stamped photos to supplement the checklist. This documentation is crucial for security deposit disputes and helps establish the condition of the property before tenant occupancy.

Create a comprehensive set of rules and regulations for your rental property. Include policies on noise, guests, smoking, maintenance requests, trash disposal, parking, and other important aspects of tenancy. Ensure these rules are reasonable and do not violate any tenant rights under Missouri law.

Missouri law requires landlords to provide tenants with a receipt for their security deposit. Design a receipt that includes the amount received, date of receipt, property address, and a statement explaining that the funds will be held as a security deposit. Missouri law limits security deposits to two months' rent and has specific requirements for handling these funds.

Create a form to notify tenants when you need to enter the rental property. While Missouri doesn't have a specific statute requiring advance notice for landlord entry, providing at least 24 hours' notice is considered a best practice and helps maintain good landlord-tenant relations. The form should include the date, time, and purpose of entry.

Establish procedures for handling routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Missouri landlords must maintain properties in habitable condition, including functioning plumbing, electricity, heating, and structural elements. Create a system for tenants to report maintenance issues and document all requests and repairs.

Secure appropriate landlord insurance for your rental property. Standard homeowner's insurance typically doesn't cover rental activities. Landlord insurance should include property damage, liability coverage, and potentially loss of rental income. Consider requiring tenants to obtain renter's insurance as part of your lease terms.

Understand the tax implications of owning rental property in Missouri. Rental income must be reported on your federal and state tax returns. However, you may be eligible for various deductions related to property maintenance, mortgage interest, depreciation, and other expenses. Consider consulting with a tax professional familiar with rental property taxation.

Set up a system for collecting and tracking rent payments. Clearly communicate to tenants when rent is due, acceptable payment methods, and late fee policies. Missouri law doesn't specify a grace period for late rent payments, so you can establish reasonable terms in your lease agreement.

Familiarize yourself with Missouri's eviction procedures. Landlords must follow specific legal steps to evict a tenant, including proper notice periods and filing requirements. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, etc.) are illegal in Missouri. Understanding proper procedures will help you avoid costly legal mistakes if eviction becomes necessary.