Adding a Roommate to Your Lease in Missouri: What Renters Need to Know

Thinking of sharing your rental in Missouri? Adding a roommate may seem simple, but it's important to approach the process correctly to protect your rights and stay in compliance with your lease and Missouri law. Properly updating your lease can help prevent legal or financial disputes down the road. Here’s what Missouri renters should know.

Why Adding a Roommate Requires Landlord Approval

Most leases in Missouri require all adult occupants to be officially listed, and many standard agreements specifically prohibit subletting or adding roommates without written landlord consent. Not following these requirements could result in eviction or other penalties under the Missouri landlord-tenant law.

Step-by-Step: How to Add a Roommate in Missouri

The process to add a roommate typically follows these main steps:

• Review your current lease for any rules or restrictions about roommates, subletting, or additional occupants.
• Speak with your landlord before your new roommate moves in.
• Ask your landlord (in writing) for permission to add the roommate. The landlord may require a rental application and background check for your proposed roommate.
• If approved, your landlord will prepare an addendum—an official addition to your lease agreement—listing the new roommate as a tenant.
• Sign the addendum or a new lease agreement as required. All parties (you, your roommate, and the landlord) should receive copies.

Official Forms You Might Use

• Lease Addendum (No state-issued number):
  • This document amends your existing lease to add the new roommate as a tenant. Most Missouri landlords or property managers will have their own addendum forms.
  • How it's used: For example, Sarah wants her friend Alex to become an official roommate. The landlord drafts a "Lease Addendum" naming Alex as a co-tenant, and both Sarah and Alex sign alongside the landlord.
  • There is no standard statewide lease addendum form in Missouri, but the Missouri Attorney General’s website provides guidance for renters and landlords.
• Rental Application (Landlord-provided):
  • Typically required for screening any adult wishing to live in the unit.
  • How it's used: Alex completes a rental application provided by the landlord. The landlord performs a background and credit check before approving Alex as a co-tenant.

Keep in mind: Missouri does not have a central residential tenancy board. Instead, disputes involving tenants and landlords are generally handled by the Missouri state courts (circuit, associate circuit, or small claims court depending on the issue).

What If My Lease Prohibits Roommates or Subleasing?

If your lease restricts roommates or subletting, you must get written permission from your landlord. Adding a roommate without permission could be considered a lease violation and may lead to eviction proceedings.

If you’re unsure about your lease terms or your landlord refuses permission, ask for clarification in writing. If the issue is unresolved, you can seek advice from Missouri's Office of the Attorney General—Landlord-Tenant Law.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Once your roommate is officially added to the lease:

• They share equal legal responsibility for the rental unit (rent, damages, following lease terms).
• The landlord can hold both (or any) tenants liable for violations, missed rent, or property damage.
• You have the right to request any lease modification in writing—verbal agreements may not be legally enforceable.

The main law governing landlord-tenant relationships in Missouri is the Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441—Landlord and Tenant¹.

What Happens If a Roommate Moves In Without Approval?

If your landlord discovers an unauthorized resident, you may receive a written notice to comply or vacate the unit. The notice period and your options depend on your lease and the situation. Unresolved violations can result in eviction filings in your local Missouri court.

FAQs: Roommates and Leases in Missouri

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add a roommate in Missouri?
   Yes, in almost all cases. Most leases require written landlord approval before a new occupant can move in. Adding a roommate without permission can be a lease violation.
2. Can my landlord increase the rent if I add a roommate?
   It depends on your lease terms. Some landlords may raise the rent when adding another tenant, but they must notify you in advance and update the lease or addendum.
3. What happens if my roommate moves out early?
   If both names are on the lease, you and your roommate are both legally responsible for the entire rent and meeting all lease obligations, even if one person leaves.
4. How are tenant disputes handled in Missouri?
   Most landlord-tenant disputes, including issues involving roommates, are resolved in Missouri state courts if mediation cannot resolve the matter.
5. Where can I get more help with Missouri landlord-tenant law?
   The Missouri Attorney General’s Office offers guides and complaint forms for renters and homeowners.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

• Get written landlord approval before adding any new roommate.
• Officially update your lease to list all adult occupants.
• Know your rights and responsibilities—joint responsibility applies after adding a co-tenant.

Always review your lease and stay in communication with your landlord to avoid misunderstandings and protect your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
• Missouri State Courts (for filing disputes or responding to legal notices)
• Contact your local legal aid office or tenants’ rights group for additional assistance

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441—Landlord and Tenant

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