Missouri Renters: Protect Your Family from Lead-Based Paint

Living in a safe and healthy home is every renter’s right. In Missouri, properties built before 1978 are more likely to contain dangerous lead-based paint, which poses health risks—especially for children and pregnant women. Understanding your legal protections and responsibilities can help you prevent lead exposure and take action if you suspect a hazard in your rental.

Understanding Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Missouri Rentals

Lead is a toxic metal that was widely used in house paint until 1978. Lead dust or chips from deteriorating paint can poison both children and adults. Missouri law, supported by federal EPA regulations, requires landlords to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and follow health and safety standards in affected properties.

What Landlords Must Do

• Disclose any known lead-based paint or lead hazards to tenants in writing before leasing.
• Provide renters with the EPA booklet Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home.
• Exchange and sign the official Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA 747-K-99-001) before the lease begins.
• Maintain painted surfaces and common areas in good repair.

What Renters Should Know and Watch For

• Peeling, chipping, or chalking paint, especially in older units.
• Renovation or repair work that disturbs old paint, which can create lead dust.
• Anyone under age six or pregnant should be especially cautious.

Missouri tenants have the right to a home free from dangerous lead. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Lead Program are your primary resources for guidance and enforcement.

Required Lead Paint Disclosure Forms: What You Need

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA 747-K-99-001)
  Use: This mandatory form must be signed by both landlord and renter before leasing any property built before 1978.
  Access the EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form.
  Example: If your rental was built in 1975, your landlord must provide this form for you to review and sign before you move in.

• Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home (EPA Booklet)
  Use: Landlords are required to give every tenant a copy of this booklet with the signed lease.
  Download the EPA Lead Safety Booklet.
  Example: Ask your landlord or property manager for this booklet when signing your lease for an older building.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Lead Hazards in Your Missouri Rental

If you think your home may have a lead-based paint hazard, Missouri and federal law provide important protections. Taking the following actions will help document your concerns and protect your health.

• Ask your landlord to confirm if lead paint is present using the disclosure form above.
• Contact your local health department or the Missouri Department of Health Lead Program for free lead testing information.
• If there’s peeling or damaged paint, notify your landlord in writing and request prompt repairs.
• If repairs are not made, you can file a complaint with local code enforcement or the Attorney General.

Missouri Laws and Tribunal Handling Rental Concerns

Lead paint safety in rentals is governed by both state and federal law. In Missouri, disputes about health and safety may be handled by local housing courts or through civil court claims. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office (View Tenant Rights Resources) provides information for renters with unresolved health and safety complaints.

Relevant legislation includes the Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 441.234 (landlord maintenance duties) and federal Lead Disclosure Rule.

FAQs: Missouri Renters and Lead-Based Paint Hazards

1. What should I do if my landlord will not provide the lead paint disclosure form?
   If your landlord refuses, remind them it is a federal legal requirement. Document your request in writing and contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for assistance.
2. Am I allowed to do my own lead testing in a Missouri rental?
   Yes, you may use approved lead test kits or contact the Missouri Department of Health Lead Program for information about testing. Share results and safety concerns with your landlord.
3. Can I break my lease if lead hazards are not addressed?
   In some cases, if a landlord fails to remedy lead paint hazards that make the rental unsafe, you may have a right to end your lease. Get legal advice and notify your landlord in writing before taking action.
4. Who enforces lead-paint safety for renters in Missouri?
   The primary oversight comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Missouri Department of Health Lead Program, and local housing authorities. Serious cases may also be reported to the Attorney General’s Office.
5. What symptoms should I look for if I’m worried about lead exposure?
   Symptoms in children may include irritability, learning difficulties, and stomach pain. Adults may have headaches or high blood pressure. Contact your doctor and the Missouri Department of Health if you suspect exposure.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

• Know your rights: If leasing pre-1978 housing, demand the official EPA lead disclosure and booklet.
• Report peeling paint or unsafe repairs to your landlord in writing.
• Seek help from the Missouri Attorney General, Health Department, or local agencies if your concerns go unresolved.

Protecting your household from lead is a shared responsibility—awareness and early action are your best safeguards as a Missouri renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Lead Program: Testing resources and lead hazard advice.
• Missouri Attorney General—Tenants’ Rights: Complaint forms and legal information.
• EPA Lead Laws and Regulations: Guidance on federal lead safety rules for renters.
• Local County Health Departments: Contact for lead inspections and enforcement.

---

1. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.234 – Landlord Repairs and Maintenance Duties
2. EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
3. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services – Lead Program
4. Missouri Attorney General – Tenants’ Rights

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations