Landlord Tenant Laws in Missouri (MO)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Missouri's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.005 et seq.; § 535.010 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of C (Moderate) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Missouri has moderate landlord-tenant protections. Tenants may repair and deduct (up to $300) for essential services. Kansas City and St. Louis have additional local ordinances. Rent control is preempted statewide.
Security Deposit Rules in Missouri
Missouri limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Missouri
In Missouri, a landlord must provide 10 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Missouri.
Tenant Rights in Missouri
Missouri provides some remedies for tenants facing habitability issues. Tenants may repair and deduct when landlords fail to maintain the property, but rent withholding is not permitted. Tenants should carefully follow the statutory procedure before exercising any remedy.
Rent Control in Missouri
Missouri has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in Missouri
Landlords in Missouri are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide Reasonable notice notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 30 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Missouri
Many cities in Missouri have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Kansas City
Kansas City has a Tenant Bill of Rights providing additional disclosure requirements and protections.
St. Louis
St. Louis has additional local housing ordinances and code enforcement. Active tenant advocacy community.
Springfield
Follows state law without local modifications.
Columbia
University town follows state law. Has housing code enforcement.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Missouri scores 47 out of 100, earning a grade of C (Moderate).
How Missouri Compares
Below is a comparison of Missouri with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Missouri falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri (MO) | 47 | C | 2 months' rent | 10 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Montana (MT) | 47 | C | No statutory limit | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Ohio (OH) | 47 | C | No statutory limit | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Wisconsin (WI) | 46 | C | No statutory limit | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Kansas (KS) | 44 | D | 1 month's rent (unfurnished); 1.5 months (furnished) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Nevada (NV) | 44 | D | 3 months' rent | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Missouri?
In Missouri, the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Missouri?
For nonpayment of rent, Missouri requires 10 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Missouri if my landlord won't make repairs?
No, Missouri does not allow tenants to withhold rent. However, repair-and-deduct may be available as a remedy.
Does Missouri have rent control?
No, Missouri prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Missouri?
Landlords in Missouri must give Reasonable notice notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Missouri are primarily found in Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.005 et seq.; § 535.010 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.