Missouri Tenant Rights
Missouri's landlord-tenant law is governed by Mo.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- 30 days for month-to-month tenancy
- Just Cause Required:
- No statewide just-cause requirement
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- No specific cure period in Missouri statutes
- Non Payment Notice:
- At least one month notice (or shorter if agreed in lease)
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 2 months' rent
- Return Deadline:
- 30 days after tenancy ends
- Interest Required:
- No
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement required
- Penalty For Wrongful Withholding:
- Landlord liable for double the wrongfully withheld amount plus court costs
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Not codified in Missouri statutes
- Rent Withholding:
- Not permitted — tenants may not withhold rent under Missouri law
- Habitability Standard:
- Court-recognized implied warranty of habitability; housing code compliance
- Remedies Available:
- Tenant may sue for breach of warranty; some courts allow rent reduction
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- Anti-retaliation statute; no specific anti-harassment law
- Penalties:
- Tenant may raise retaliation as defense in eviction proceedings; actual damages possible
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — good-faith complaint to government authorities is protected activity
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- Reasonable notice required by common law (24 hours by custom)
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without prior notice in emergency situations
- Common Law Standard:
- 24 hours is the accepted standard in Missouri practice
- Time Of Entry:
- Must be at a reasonable time
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.