Missouri Rental Drinking Water Safety Standards: What Renters Need to Know

As a renter in Missouri, access to safe and clean drinking water in your rental property is not just a basic need—it’s a key health and legal right. Understanding the standards in place and the processes available for addressing concerns empowers tenants when issues arise. This guide explains safe drinking water expectations, your rights under Missouri law, and what to do if problems occur with your water supply.

What Standards Must Missouri Rental Properties Meet for Drinking Water?

Under Missouri law, landlords must provide rental housing that meets minimum health and safety standards. This includes supplying potable (safe to drink) water, either through a public water system or, if using a private well, ensuring it meets state safety criteria.

• All plumbing must comply with Missouri Safe Drinking Water Law and state plumbing codes.
• Water must be free from contaminants above state or federal limits set by the EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
• For rental buildings using private wells, landlords are responsible for maintaining the system in safe, operable condition.

For renters, this means you have the right to expect water that tastes, smells, and looks clean—and that is certified as safe by state standards.

Your Landlord’s Obligation and Your Rights

Missouri's landlord-tenant law requires that landlords keep rental units, including water systems, in habitable condition. If problems arise, renters should notify their landlord in writing and allow a reasonable time for repairs.

• Landlords are usually responsible for maintaining water pipes, fixtures, and connections unless your lease states otherwise.
• If dangerous water quality (e.g., lead, bacteria) is suspected, testing and remediation may be required by the landlord.
• If the issue is not resolved, you have options to file complaints with appropriate health agencies.

How to Address Unsafe Drinking Water Issues in Your Rental

If you suspect your water is unsafe (unusual odor, color, or taste, or illness linked to water use), take the following steps:

• Contact your landlord in writing. State the concern and request prompt investigation.
• If no timely response, contact your local health department or the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (MDHSS).
• You can request water quality testing, especially if on a private well.
• If conditions are hazardous and not addressed, you may file complaints with MDHSS or a local housing authority.

If your landlord fails to provide safe drinking water, you have the right to involve state and local authorities—and in some cases, to withhold rent until repairs are made, following correct legal steps.
Missouri Revised Statutes – Tenant Rights

Official Forms for Missouri Renters: Drinking Water and Health Complaints

• Public Drinking Water Complaint Form – Missouri Department of Natural Resources
  Use this form when: You have evidence or suspicion that drinking water quality in your rental property does not meet health standards (e.g., contamination, well problems).
  Download the Public Drinking Water Complaint Form (MO 780-2066)
  Example: A renter notices cloudy, foul-smelling water. They notify the landlord, but no action is taken. The renter then completes and submits this form to the Department of Natural Resources for investigation.
• Rental Unit Health Complaint – Local County Health Department
  Use this form when: Your rental unit poses a general health or sanitation risk related to water and your landlord is unresponsive.
  Sample rental health complaint form (see your county)

These official forms prompt state or local investigation and enforcement actions where necessary.

Missouri’s Tribunal or Board for Residential Tenancies

While Missouri does not have a housing tribunal, the courts and local housing authorities handle rental disputes. The Missouri Circuit Courts adjudicate landlord-tenant disputes, including those about habitability and repairs.

Relevant Missouri Legislation

• Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.234 – Landlord and Tenant: Repairs and Habitability
• Missouri Safe Drinking Water Law § 701.313

This legislation outlines both your rights and your landlord’s duties regarding property conditions and utilities, including water.

FAQ: Missouri Renters & Safe Drinking Water

1. What should I do if my rental water smells or tastes strange?
   If you notice odd smells or tastes, first alert your landlord in writing. If the issue is not fixed quickly, contact your county health department and consider submitting an official complaint form.
2. Are landlords required to test water in Missouri rentals?
   Landlords with rental properties on private wells are responsible for safe water and may need to test if issues arise. City water systems are tested by public utilities, but report issues to the landlord and utility company.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord won’t fix unsafe water?
   Missouri law sometimes allows tenants to repair and deduct costs, or (rarely) withhold rent when conditions are hazardous. Follow all legal notice and documentation requirements—consult the Missouri Revised Statutes first.
4. Who enforces water safety in Missouri rental properties?
   Primary responsibility falls to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, local health departments, and Circuit Courts for serious disputes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

• Missouri law safeguards your right to safe, potable water in all rental housing.
• Contact your landlord quickly if issues arise and use official complaint forms if problems are not resolved.
• Refer to the Missouri Revised Statutes and contact state or local health offices for help.

Knowing your rights and the steps to address water safety helps ensure your rental remains a safe, healthy home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services – Environmental Health
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Public Drinking Water Branch
• Missouri Housing Development Commission – Landlord/Tenant Guide
• Missouri Circuit Courts – Find Your Court

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.234 – Repairs and Habitability
2. Missouri Safe Drinking Water Law § 701.313
3. Missouri DNR – Public Drinking Water Complaint Form
4. Missouri DHSS – Health/Sanitation Complaint Form
5. Missouri Courts – Landlord-Tenant Disputes

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