Missouri Rental Lease Required Disclosures: What Renters Must Know

Before you sign a lease in Missouri, your landlord is required by law to give you certain disclosures. This information protects you and ensures transparency about your rental. Understanding these required residential lease disclosures—including what forms should be provided—helps you make informed housing decisions and safeguard your rights as a renter in Missouri.

Key Disclosures Landlords Must Provide in Missouri

Missouri has several required disclosures that landlords must share with tenants, either within the lease or as separate documents. Here is an overview to help you spot what should be included before or at move-in:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Required for any residential dwelling built before 1978. Landlords must provide an EPA-approved pamphlet about lead hazards and disclose any known lead paint in the property.
  Form: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Sample Form)
  Example: If you are renting an apartment built in 1965, your landlord must give you this disclosure before move-in. You should receive and sign the form.
• Identity of Landlord or Agent: Landlords must provide the name and address of the property owner or any agents authorized to manage the premises or receive legal/maintenance notices. This ensures you know whom to contact for issues.
  Form: No standard statewide form; this is usually included directly in your lease agreement.
  Example: The lease should list your landlord’s address and any agent’s contact details for service or repairs.
• Security Deposit Information: Landlords must disclose the terms and conditions of the security deposit, including how and when it is returned, permissible deductions, and the location of the escrow account.
  Form: No specific government form, but this language should be present in the written lease.
  Example: Before you move in, your lease should state how much the deposit is, where it's held, and under what conditions it might be withheld.
• Notice of Methamphetamine Manufacturing (if applicable): If the landlord knows the rental unit was used for methamphetamine production and not cleaned as per state law, they must provide written notice.
  Form: No standard form; written notice is required.
  Example: If a landlord learns meth was manufactured in your unit and it has not been properly remediated, you must be informed in writing before signing the lease.

Additional Commonly Provided Disclosures

• Move-In Checklist: While not required by Missouri law, this can protect you by documenting the property's condition and is sometimes offered.

For a full review, consult the Missouri Revised Statutes - Landlord-Tenant Law, which details further landlord and tenant rights and obligations.

Who Governs Lease and Tenant Disputes in Missouri?

Residential tenancy disputes in Missouri are handled by the Missouri courts, mainly through local Circuit Courts in the county where the rental is located. There is no separate housing tribunal; tenants must file through the court system if disputes arise with landlords.^[1]

Official Missouri Residential Lease & Disclosure Forms

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal EPA Form) — Use if your unit was built before 1978. Both landlord and tenant should sign. Provided before lease signing.
• Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home (EPA Pamphlet) — Landlords must give this brochure to renters of pre-1978 housing, explaining the risks associated with lead paint.

Many issues can be avoided or resolved by knowing what your landlord must tell you under Missouri law. When questions or disputes arise, contact your local court, or use the resources listed below for support.

FAQ: Missouri Lease Disclosure Requirements

1. What happens if my landlord did not give me a required disclosure, like the lead paint form?
   If you did not receive a proper lead-based paint disclosure and your rental home was built before 1978, you may have grounds for legal action under federal law. Contact your local court or the Missouri Attorney General’s consumer protection division for guidance.
2. Can I refuse to sign a lease if the disclosures are missing?
   Yes, you should not sign a lease missing mandatory disclosures. Ask your landlord to provide all required disclosures before signing any rental agreement.
3. How do I find out if meth was ever manufactured in my rental?
   Landlords are legally required to tell you if they have knowledge of methamphetamine manufacturing in the property that has not been remediated. If you have concerns, contact your local health department for records or ask the landlord directly for written confirmation.
4. Do I need a move-in checklist in Missouri?
   While Missouri law does not require a move-in checklist, it can be helpful. Ask your landlord for one or create your own to document the property’s condition at move-in.
5. Where can I get help if I have a dispute about disclosures or my lease?
   Residential disputes are handled through your local Missouri Circuit Court. You can also reach out to tenant advocacy groups or legal aid for additional help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri State Courts Directory – Find your local circuit court for filing disputes or complaints.
• Missouri Attorney General’s Office – Tenant/Landlord Consumer Protection offers helpful guides and complaint forms.
• EPA Lead Information – For questions or concerns regarding lead paint disclosures.
• Legal Services of Missouri – Free or low-cost legal representation and information for qualifying renters.

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441, Landlord and Tenant Law. Accessed 2024.
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Requirements. Accessed 2024.
3. Missouri Courts, Circuit Court Directory. Accessed 2024.
4. Missouri Attorney General, Tenant/Landlord Consumer Protection. Accessed 2024.

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