Challenging an Illegal Rent Increase in Missouri

If you’re a renter in Missouri concerned about a rent increase that seems unfair or unlawful, you’re not alone. While Missouri does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization, all landlords must follow state law when raising rent. Understanding your rights and how to challenge an illegal rent increase can help you protect your home and your finances.

Understanding Rent Increases in Missouri

Missouri law allows landlords to increase rent unless restricted by a lease agreement. There is currently no state or municipal rent control. However, landlords still have to provide adequate notice and cannot raise rent in a discriminatory or retaliatory manner, or before a lease term ends.^[1]

Legal Requirements for Rent Increases

• Written Notice: For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give at least one full rental period's notice before increasing the rent. For example, if rent is due on the first of the month, notice must be given before the next month starts.
• Fixed-Term Leases: Landlords cannot raise rent until the lease term ends, unless the lease specifically allows mid-term increases.
• Discrimination and Retaliation Prohibited: Raising rent for discriminatory reasons (race, religion, gender, etc.) or in retaliation against a tenant exercising legal rights is unlawful under the Missouri Human Rights Act.

Most rent increases in Missouri are legal if proper notice is given, but you can challenge increases that violate these rules.

Is Your Rent Increase Illegal?

Common reasons a rent increase may be illegal in Missouri:

• Notice was not properly given (less than one full rental period for month-to-month tenants)
• Increase is during the fixed-term of your lease, with no clause allowing it
• The increase is based on discrimination or retaliation
• Rent is being raised in violation of local municipal codes (where applicable)

If you believe any of the above apply to your situation, you may have grounds to challenge the increase.

How to Challenge an Illegal Rent Increase

Challenging a rent increase can be a multi-step process. Take these actions to protect your rights:

1. Gather Documentation

• Collect your lease agreement, rent increase notice, and proof of payment.
• Keep records of all communications with your landlord.

2. Communicate in Writing

• Write a formal letter to your landlord if you suspect the rent increase is unlawful. State your concerns clearly and refer to your lease or the law.
• Retain a copy for your records.

3. File a Complaint (If Needed)

• If your rent increase is due to discrimination or retaliation, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
• Use the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form from the Commission:
  • Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  • When Used: If you believe your landlord increased your rent because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status.
  • How to Use: Complete the form and submit it to the Commission online, by mail, or in person. See the official instructions here.

4. Consider Mediation

• Some Missouri courts offer landlord-tenant mediation. Mediation can help both parties reach a fair agreement without court.
• Contact your local circuit court or visit the Missouri Courts Landlord-Tenant resource page for available options.

5. Responding to an Unlawful Rent Increase in Court

• If your landlord files for eviction due to nonpayment of an unlawful rent increase, you may raise your defense in court.
• Be prepared to show documentation: your lease, the rent increase notice, and proof of communication.
• Visit the Missouri Courts Find My Court page to locate the correct court to file or respond to a case.

Relevant Legislation and Tribunal

• Missouri Residential Landlord-Tenant Law – Section 441.060 RSMo
• Missouri Human Rights Act – § 213.040 RSMo
• Tribunal Handling Disputes: Missouri Circuit Courts

FAQ: Rent Challenges in Missouri

1. Can my landlord increase my rent at any time in Missouri?
   Generally, landlords can only increase rent at the end of your lease term or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before raising rent?
   They must provide at least one rental period’s written notice for month-to-month renters.
3. Is there a limit to how much my landlord can raise the rent?
   Missouri does not set a maximum rent increase limit, but increases must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
4. What should I do if I think my rent was raised illegally?
   Document everything, communicate in writing, and consider filing a complaint if you suspect discrimination or retaliation.
5. Where can I file a complaint about a discriminatory rent increase?
   Submit a Housing Discrimination Complaint Form to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

Key Takeaways

• Missouri does not have rent control, but landlords must still follow notice rules and anti-discrimination laws.
• Rent increases during a lease or based on discrimination are illegal.
• Use the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form to report unlawful increases, and keep thorough records.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Commission on Human Rights – File discrimination complaints and learn about fair housing protections
• Find Your Local Missouri Court – For filing tenant-landlord disputes
• Legal Services of Missouri – Free or low-cost legal help for renters
• Missouri Revisor of Statutes – View all tenant-landlord laws

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1. See Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.060: Notice required for termination or change in rental terms.
2. Missouri Human Rights Act § 213.040: Prohibits discriminatory housing practices.

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