Do I pay penalties if I end my lease early for military service in Missouri?

No, federal law and Missouri statute allow service members to terminate leases early by providing written notice and a copy of their orders.

Can I break my lease if my apartment is unsafe in Missouri?

You may be able to. First notify your landlord in writing and allow a reasonable time for repairs. If not addressed and the unit remains uninhabitable, you could have grounds for early termination.

Are there official forms required to break a lease in Missouri?

No official statewide form is required, but you must give written notice and include documentation if claiming a legal reason. Always keep proof of your notice.

Which tribunal handles rental disputes in Missouri?

Rental disputes are handled by the Missouri Circuit Courts. Contact your local Circuit Clerk for details.

Missouri: Legal Ways to Break a Lease Without Penalty

Moving Out & Ending a Lease Missouri published: June 21, 2025

Moving out of a rental can be stressful, especially if your lease still has months left. In Missouri, renters do have specific legal protections for ending a lease early without facing landlord penalties. Understanding your rights and following the right procedures can help you avoid unnecessary fees or damage to your rental history.

When Can You Legally Break a Lease in Missouri?

Missouri law sets out a few clear situations in which a renter can end their lease early without having to pay extra penalties or forfeit their security deposit. These examples are based on the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441 – Landlord-Tenant Law.^[1]

Active Military Duty: If you join or are called to active duty in the armed forces during your lease, you have special protections under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Missouri law.^[2]
Unsafe or Uninhabitable Conditions: If the landlord fails to maintain the rental in basic safe or sanitary condition, you may be allowed to break the lease if you have notified the landlord in writing and given them a reasonable time to make repairs.
Domestic Violence: Victims of domestic violence can end a lease early by following the notice procedures set by Missouri statutes.
Landlord Harassment or Privacy Violations: In rare cases, serious and repeated violations of your right to privacy or peaceful enjoyment can justify early termination.

If none of these legal reasons apply, you may still be able to negotiate with your landlord. Many landlords are open to a mutual lease termination if you provide adequate notice and help find a replacement tenant.

Understanding Official Forms in Missouri

Missouri does not require renters to use a specific State-issued form for breaking a lease. However, written notice is crucial. Here are some examples of proper documentation:

Military: SCRA Notice of Termination
When leaving for military service, you must give written notice to your landlord along with a copy of your military orders. See a sample template and the rules for federal and Missouri compliance on the Department of Justice SCRA resource page.
Unsafe Conditions: Notice to Repair or Quit
Send a written letter notifying your landlord about the unsafe condition and requesting repairs within a reasonable timeframe. If not fixed, notify them in writing that you are terminating the lease because the unit is uninhabitable (see Section 441.234 for "repair and deduct" rights in certain cities, which may support your case).
Domestic Violence: Notice to Terminate due to Domestic Violence
Provide written notice to your landlord, plus a copy of a court-issued order of protection or similar document. See details in Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.920.

Tip: Always keep a copy of all communications and proof of delivery (like certified mail).

Important Requirements and How to Give Proper Notice

Even for legal reasons, you must provide the right amount of written notice—typically at least 30 days. Check your lease for any extra instructions. If you are claiming an exception, include supporting documents (such as military orders or court protection orders).

If you are unsure what to write, the Missouri Attorney General offers sample letters and advice in its Landlord-Tenant Law Guide.

What is the Tribunal for Rental Disputes?

Missouri rental disputes are generally handled in Missouri Circuit Courts, which are the official courts for landlord-tenant matters.

What Should You Expect if You Break a Lease?

If you clearly follow the law and give required notice, you should not have to pay additional rent or lose your security deposit for breaking the lease under a legal reason. If you have trouble recovering your deposit, you may file a claim in your local court after giving your landlord written demand.

Consider talking to Missouri Legal Services or your local Circuit Clerk if your landlord disputes your right to break your lease, especially in complex situations like unsafe conditions or harassment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay penalties if I end my lease early for military service in Missouri?
No. Federal law and Missouri statute allow military personnel to terminate leases early by providing written notice and a copy of orders.
Can I break my lease if my apartment is unsafe?
Possibly. You must first notify your landlord in writing and give them a reasonable opportunity to repair the problem. If nothing is done and the rental remains unsafe, you may have grounds for early termination.
Are there official forms I need to use in Missouri?
There is no statewide form, but you must give written notice and include documentation if claiming a legal reason like military service or domestic violence. Always keep proof of delivery for your records.
Who handles tenant-landlord disputes in Missouri?
Residential lease disputes are handled by Missouri Circuit Courts. Contact your local Circuit Clerk if you need to file a claim.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

Missouri law protects renters from penalty for early termination in specific legal situations—such as military service, domestic violence, or unaddressed unsafe conditions.
Written notice and documentation are essential. There is no state-issued termination form, but you must provide sufficient proof.
If you encounter difficulty with your landlord, keep records and consider reaching out to Missouri Legal Services or your local Circuit Court for assistance.

Understanding your rights under Missouri law is the first step towards protecting yourself and your rental history if you need to move out early.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Missouri Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Law Guide — Overview of rental rights, sample letters, and frequently asked questions.
Missouri Circuit Courts — Find your local court to file landlord-tenant claims.
Legal Services of Missouri — Free or low-cost legal support for eligible tenants.
Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441: Landlord-Tenant Law — Full legal text of Missouri rental statutes.