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Missouri boasts a low cost of living and many tax breaks, which benefit both renters and landlords, making it one of the best states to move to or invest in real estate. Missouri should hit the top of the list for the renters because of its miles of coastline and award-winning BBQ. For those looking to purchase a rental property, Missouri is an excellent choice for the low cost of homes and the high demand.
Laws that impact the rental market, landlords, and tenants are constantly being decided in states. Make sure you know what’s on your ballot – find Missouri voting information here.
When it comes to Missouri rental laws, there are a few specifics landlords need to know:
Rental Application Fee: There are no additional rental application fee requirements.
Criminal History Check:
Security Deposit: Landlords must hold security deposits in an FDIC-insured bank, credit union, or another financial institution.
Kansas City and St. Louis have additional laws for Missouri landlords to consider:
Kansas City requires landlords to provide certain amenities (like heating, water, plumbing, electric fixtures, and cooking equipment). Landlords must also follow a specific notification process before entering the rental unit.
St. Louis requires landlords to obtain a Certificate of Inspection to charge rent.
Build a Missouri lease agreement in less than 15 minutes.
There are three sections to a residential lease agreement. The first section outlines the custom details of the contract, such as who’s involved and for what address. Here’s an example Missouri lease agreement listing details found in Section 1:
Below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to landlord-tenant laws in Missouri:
You cannot withhold rent in Missouri except for extreme circumstances where the landlord fails to fix dangerous conditions.
Evicting a tenant in Missouri typically takes anywhere from one to three months, depending on the reason for eviction.
Missouri is considered a landlord-friendly state because there are few rent control laws and very few habitability requirements. Make sure to always check local area laws, along with state laws, to ensure you’re fully educated.
There are four reasons a landlord may file for eviction in Missouri. The four reasons include failure to pay rent, violation of the lease agreement, end of lease term, and illegal activity. Depending on the violation, the landlord must give the tenant notice and anywhere from five to 60 days to cure their violation.
If the tenant fails to cure or move out, then the landlord may file a complaint with the court, which will then be served to the tenant. The eviction hearing will then be held within 15 days after the tenant has been served.
If the court rules in favor of the landlord, then a writ of possession will be issued ten days later. Once the tenant has been served the writ of possession, they will have two business days to move out.
Landlords must give tenants a 30-day notice before requiring them to move out.
TurboTenant has utilized many municipal sources and official state statutes to compile this information to the best of our ability. However, local laws are constantly in flux, and landlords and tenants alike should do their due diligence and consult legal help when it’s needed. We hope the following list can serve as a valuable resource and allow you to succeed as a landlord or tenant in Missouri. Be sure to take proper precautions when it comes to finding the top candidates for your unit by utilizing our online rental application and tenant screening services.
Disclaimer: TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws and consult legal counsel should questions arise.
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