Are roommate agreements legally binding in Missouri?

Yes, signed roommate agreements are contracts between roommates in Missouri, but they do not override the lease with your landlord or state law.

Can I force a roommate to leave if they break the agreement?

No, you generally cannot evict a roommate unless you are their landlord. Disputes should be resolved through dialogue, mediation, or, if needed, the courts.

Is my landlord involved in our roommate agreement?

Usually not. A landlord is only involved if they are a party to the agreement or if it is included in the main lease.

What if a roommate moves out before the lease ends?

The remaining tenants are typically still responsible for the rent. Notify your landlord and use official forms or written notices if needed.

How can we fairly split the security deposit in Missouri?

The roommate agreement should specify how the deposit is divided. Clear, written arrangements help prevent disputes.

Essential Roommate Agreement Clauses for Missouri Tenants

Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Missouri published: June 21, 2025

Sharing a rental in Missouri can offer financial advantages and flexibility, but it also requires careful planning and clear communication. Establishing a written roommate agreement can help avoid misunderstandings, resolve disputes efficiently, and ensure everyone’s rights are protected under Missouri law. In this guide, we’ll outline the key elements every Missouri renter should include in a roommate agreement—and why they matter.

Why Have a Roommate Agreement in Missouri?

Unlike a lease with your landlord, a roommate agreement is a contract between co-tenants or occupants of the same rental unit. While Missouri’s Landlord-Tenant Law (Chapter 441 RSMo) doesn’t require roommate agreements, having one can clarify obligations and reduce the risk of costly disputes.

Must-Have Clauses in Your Roommate Agreement

Here are the most important sections to cover in your Missouri roommate agreement:

1. Rent Responsibilities

Who pays what amount each month, and by when?
How rent is collected and distributed (for example, does one person pay the landlord or is it split?)
What happens if someone is late or cannot pay?

Paying rent on time benefits everyone. Roommates should clarify, in writing, how and when rent payments are handled, including the consequences of late payments.

2. Security Deposit and Damages

How is the security deposit split?
Who is responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear?
How will the deposit be returned if someone moves out early?

Missouri law allows landlords to require a security deposit of up to two months' rent.^[1] While the landlord deals with the full deposit, a roommate agreement should address internal allocation and responsibilities.

3. Utilities and Household Expenses

How are utilities (electricity, internet, water, etc.) divided?
Who is in charge of paying which bills?
What happens if one roommate exceeds their agreed share?

Transparency about household expenses can prevent frustration and financial disputes.

4. Cleaning, Chores, and Shared Spaces

How are cleaning duties assigned?
Are there rules about guests, noise, or quiet hours?
What items (kitchenware, food, furniture) are shared vs. private?

A written agreement about house rules and chores helps create a comfortable and respectful living space for all.

5. Overnight Guests and Visitors

How often can guests stay overnight?
Should all roommates be notified of visitors in advance?

Addressing expectations upfront prevents conflict over guests and ensures everyone feels secure.

6. Subletting and Roommate Changes

Can a roommate sublet their room? If so, under what conditions?
What process is followed if someone wants to move out or a new roommate is added?

Missouri landlords generally must approve new occupants if they’re not named on the original lease. Include steps for proper notice and approval in the agreement.

7. Conflict Resolution

How are disagreements handled? (For example, a vote, mediation, or escalation to the landlord?)
How will discipline proceed if someone violates the agreement?

A conflict resolution section ensures all roommates know the process for handling breaches or disputes, making issues less personal and more procedural.

8. Missouri Law and Lease Compliance

Does the agreement require all roommates to comply with the main lease and Missouri law?
Should you reference the terms of your lease and Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law?

Add a clause confirming everyone will follow the primary lease and state law. This can protect all residents if legal issues arise.

Tip: Make sure every roommate signs and gets a copy of the agreement, and keep it with other important rental documents.

Relevant Official Forms for Missouri Roommates

While there is no government-issued roommate agreement form in Missouri, you may need to use official notices when a roommate moves out or if there is a change in tenancy:

Missouri Notice to Vacate (Form 14-Day Notice or 30-Day Notice)
Used if you or your roommate are ending tenancy. Give written notice to both the landlord and your roommate as required. Download sample language and find details from the Missouri Courts – Landlord-Tenant forms.
Example: If a roommate decides to move out, use a 30-day written notice (if renting month-to-month) to inform the landlord and co-tenants in writing, following state requirements.^[2]
Security Deposit Return Request
If a roommate moves out but the landlord still holds the deposit, a written request—stating reasons for deposit return—can be submitted. Details on timelines are available from the Missouri Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Guide.

Understanding Missouri Rental Law and Tenancy Tribunal

Roommate agreements don’t replace your primary lease. If any issue affects the official rental agreement or results in eviction action, disputes in Missouri are generally resolved through the Missouri Circuit Courts—Landlord-Tenant Division. For more information, see the Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law (RSMo Chapter 441).

Taking Action as a Missouri Renter

To put your roommate agreement into effect and handle disputes, follow these steps:

Talk with all co-tenants to draft a roommate agreement covering the points above.
Have every roommate review, sign, and keep a copy.
If a roommate leaves or changes occur, provide written notice as needed (e.g., using the Notice to Vacate form or a written letter).
If a conflict arises, follow the dispute resolution steps outlined in your agreement. For serious issues, check your primary lease and Missouri’s official guidance on rental disputes.

Staying proactive and informed can help make your shared Missouri rental safer, happier, and more compliant with state regulations.

FAQs About Roommate Agreements in Missouri

Are roommate agreements legally binding in Missouri?
Yes, as long as everyone signs, a roommate agreement acts as a contract between roommates. However, it doesn’t override your lease with the landlord or Missouri law.
Can I force a roommate to leave if they break the agreement?
You cannot evict a roommate unless you’re also their landlord. Most disputes must be resolved between roommates or through the landlord and, if needed, Missouri courts.
Is my landlord involved in our roommate agreement?
Usually, the landlord is not a party to your private roommate agreement unless everyone (including the landlord) signs or it is written into the main lease.
What happens if a roommate moves out before the lease ends?
Check your roommate agreement. Typically, the remaining tenants are still responsible for the full rent, and you may need to notify the landlord using official forms or a written letter.
How can I split the security deposit fairly if not all roommates paid the same amount?
Your agreement should specify how the deposit is divided. In case of disagreement, documentation and clear written arrangements help ensure fair handling.

Key Takeaways

A clear roommate agreement protects everyone and reduces conflict.
Include rent, security deposit, chores, guests, and dispute resolution clauses.
Follow Missouri tenancy law and provide written notice when required.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Missouri Attorney General’s Office – Landlord/Tenant Law: Consumer guidance on rental rights and obligations
Missouri Courts – Landlord/Tenant Forms and Instructions
Missouri Circuit Courts – Landlord-Tenant Division
Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law (RSMo Chapter 441)

See RSMo § 535.300 – Security Deposits.
Sample forms and steps: Missouri Notice to Vacate & Other Landlord-Tenant Forms.