Missouri
Tenant Rights.

A landlord cannot demand more than two months' rent as a security deposit. (RSMo § 535.300.1)

The landlord must return the full deposit, or the remaining portion after documented deductions, within 30 days of the lease termination. (RSMo § 535.300.2)

If the landlord withholds any portion of the deposit, they must provide a written, itemized list of damages and the costs associated with those damages.

Deposits can be used to: - Remedy a tenant’s default in rent payments.Restore the dwelling to its condition at the start of the tenancy (excluding "ordinary wear and tear").Compensate the landlord for actual damages if the tenant failed to give adequate notice to terminate the lease.

Tenants have the right to be present during the "move-out" inspection. The landlord must notify the tenant of the date and time of the inspection, which must occur at a reasonable hour. (RSMo § 535.300.4)

If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, the tenant may sue for twice the amount wrongfully withheld. (RSMo § 535.300.6)

Missouri is unique because state law does not require a specific notice period (like 3 or 5 days) before a landlord can file a "Rent and Possession" lawsuit, unless the lease specifically requires it. A landlord can technically file for eviction the day after rent is late, though they must make a formal demand for the rent (usually written) before filing. (RSMo § 535.020)

If a tenant violates a term of the lease (other than nonpayment), the landlord must provide a 10-day notice to vacate. While some landlords may offer an opportunity to fix the issue, Missouri law does not explicitly mandate a "cure" period; the landlord may proceed with eviction filings after the 10-day notice period has elapsed. (RSMo § 441.040)

To end a month-to-month lease, either party must provide one month's written notice. This notice must be given before the next rent-paying date. For example, if you want to move out July 1st, you must give notice by May 31st. (RSMo § 441.060)

Missouri allows for "Expedited Eviction" (within 15 days) if there is drug-related activity, physical injury to others, or significant property damage. (RSMo § 441.710)

Surprisingly, Missouri state statutes do not specify a required notice period (like 24 or 48 hours) for a landlord to enter a rental unit.

Because there is no state law, the rules for entry are governed almost entirely by the written lease. If the lease says the landlord must give 24 hours' notice, they must do so.

In the absence of lease language, Missouri courts generally recognize a tenant's right to "quiet enjoyment." This means a landlord should provide reasonable notice and enter only at reasonable times, except in emergencies (e.g., a bursting pipe).

Local cities (like St. Louis or Kansas City) are prohibited by state law from enacting rent control. (RSMo § 441.043)

Landlords can increase rent by any amount once a lease expires. For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must provide 30 days' written notice before increasing the rent.

Established by the MO Supreme Court case King v. Moorehead, landlords must provide a place that is safe, sanitary, and fit for human occupation.

Missouri allows tenants to deduct repair costs from rent under very specific circumstances: - The condition must be a violation of a local municipal housing or building code.The tenant must have lived there for at least six months.The tenant must have paid all rent due.The cost of the repair must be less than $300, or one-half of the periodic rent, whichever is greater (but not to exceed one month's rent).The tenant must give the landlord 14 days' written notice to fix the issue before doing it themselves. (RSMo § 441.234)

In many other states, a landlord cannot evict you for complaining to a building inspector. In Missouri, while you might have a defense in court based on "retaliatory eviction," there is no automatic statutory protection or "presumption period" that stops a landlord from ending a month-to-month lease after a tenant files a complaint.

Tenants are still protected by Federal Fair Housing laws; a landlord cannot retaliate against a tenant for exercising federal rights (like reporting discrimination).

Leases for longer than one year must be in writing to be enforceable. (RSMo § 432.010)

Landlords must disclose in writing to any prospective tenant if they have knowledge that the property was used for methamphetamine production. (RSMo § 441.236)

Landlords must provide the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and the owner.