Does every rental property in Missouri require a carbon monoxide detector?

No. Only properties with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages must have carbon monoxide detectors installed by the landlord.

Who is responsible for replacing batteries in smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in Missouri rentals?

Renters are usually responsible for replacing batteries, but landlords must ensure devices are working at move-in and replace broken units when notified.

What should I do if my landlord refuses to install or repair a required detector?

Submit a written request first. If that fails, contact your local housing or building inspection department using your city’s official complaint form.

Are there Missouri state forms for reporting detector issues?

Missouri cities or counties provide their own complaint forms. Use an official housing complaint form from your local authority.

Can I be evicted for reporting a problem with a smoke or carbon monoxide detector?

Missouri law prohibits landlord retaliation for legal tenant complaints, including safety concerns like detectors.

Missouri Renters: Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws Explained

Health & Safety Standards Missouri published: June 21, 2025

As a renter in Missouri, your safety and comfort are important. Missouri law sets specific standards for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in rental homes to protect your health. Knowing your rights helps ensure your landlord provides these crucial life-safety devices.

Your Rights to Working Detectors in Missouri

Missouri law requires that all rental homes must have working smoke detectors. In certain cases—mainly for properties with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages—carbon monoxide detectors are also required. Let’s break down what this means for you as a tenant.

Smoke Detector Requirements

Location: Smoke detectors must be installed on every level of the dwelling, including the basement and outside each sleeping area.
Responsibility: Landlords are responsible for providing and installing working smoke detectors at the beginning of your lease.
Upkeep: As a tenant, you are typically responsible for regular maintenance, like replacing batteries, unless your lease says otherwise.

The smoke detector law applies to both single-family and multi-family rental units.^[1]

Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws

Location: Required in all rental units that have a fuel-burning appliance (like a gas furnace or stove), a fireplace, or an attached garage.
Responsibility: Landlords must provide and install carbon monoxide detectors in the required locations before a new tenant moves in. Detectors should be placed within ten feet of every sleeping room.
Tenant Role: You are responsible for keeping the detector powered (e.g., replacing batteries) and notifying your landlord if it stops working.

What If a Detector Isn’t Working or Missing?

If you discover that a smoke or carbon monoxide detector is missing or malfunctioning, notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Missouri law requires landlords to ensure detectors are present and operational, especially at move-in.

If your landlord does not respond or take steps to remedy the issue, you may file a complaint with your local city housing or building inspection office. In St. Louis and Kansas City, local ordinances may offer even stricter requirements, so check your city’s code for details.

Tip: Always document your communication with your landlord about safety concerns. If emailing or writing a letter, keep copies for your records in case of a dispute.

Official Forms: How to Request Detector Repairs

Tenant Complaint Form (varies by city or county): In many Missouri cities, renters can use a local housing complaint form to report safety issues like missing detectors. For example, in St. Louis, you can file an online housing complaint if a landlord fails to provide or repair installed detectors. Typically, you use this form when your landlord does not respond to a written repair request.

Missouri does not have a statewide tenant-landlord complaint form or tribunal. Most cases are handled locally. If the problem isn’t resolved, you may consider small claims court—consult the Missouri Courts—Landlord-Tenant page for more on your options. You can also review the Missouri landlord-tenant law, known as Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.234, for fire and carbon monoxide safety obligations.

The Tribunal Handling Tenant-Landlord Issues

In Missouri, there is no specialized residential tenancy board. Disputes are generally addressed by your local court (often small claims or circuit court) or reported to local housing inspectors. For official legal questions, refer to Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441—Landlord and Tenant.^[2]

FAQ: Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector Laws for Missouri Renters

Does every rental property in Missouri require a carbon monoxide detector?
No. Only rentals with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages are required by law to have a carbon monoxide detector installed by the landlord.
Who is responsible for replacing batteries in smoke or carbon monoxide detectors?
Renters are usually responsible for replacing batteries; however, landlords must ensure detectors are in place and fully functional at move-in.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to install or repair a detector?
Start by making a written request. If nothing happens, contact your local housing or building inspection department using your city’s official complaint process.
Are there official Missouri state forms to report safety code violations?
Each city or county may have a complaint form (such as St. Louis's online housing complaint form). Use your local authority’s form if available.
Can my landlord evict me for reporting a problem with a detector?
Missouri law prohibits retaliation when tenants exercise legal rights. It's illegal for landlords to evict you simply for making a valid safety complaint.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

Missouri landlords must supply working smoke detectors for every rental; carbon monoxide detectors are required only in certain cases.
Tenants are responsible for routine detector maintenance but landlords must fix or replace broken units when notified.
Local city or county housing offices handle complaints; use official complaint forms for your area.

Staying proactive about safety, keeping communication in writing, and knowing your rights under Missouri law will help keep you protected in your rented home.