Missouri Rules on Rent Increases in Mobile Home Parks

If you rent a lot or home in a Missouri mobile home park, understanding your rights around rent increases is crucial. This article explains what state law says about raising rent, how much notice your landlord needs to provide, and what to do if you believe a rent hike is unfair. We'll also connect you to resources you can use if you need help or want to file a complaint about your mobile home tenancy.

Understanding Missouri's Law on Mobile Home Park Rent Increases

Unlike some states, Missouri does not have a law capping how much a landlord can increase rent in privately owned mobile home parks. There is no statewide rent control or percentage limit. However, landlords must give proper written notice before a rent increase can take effect, and they must not increase rent for unlawful reasons, such as retaliation or illegal discrimination.

How Much Notice Is Required for Rent Increases?

In Missouri, if you rent a lot in a mobile home park (sometimes called a manufactured home community):

• Your landlord must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing the rent or changing other lease terms affecting rent.
• The change cannot take effect until your current lease or rental term ends (for example, at the end of your month-to-month period).

This requirement comes from Missouri Revised Statutes Section 700.527 on mobile home park leases¹.

How Should Notice Be Given?

The rent increase notice must be delivered in one of the following ways:

• Personally to the tenant
• Mailed to the tenant's address

Your rental agreement or lease should also describe how written notices are handled in your community. Make sure to keep copies of any written notices and related correspondence.

When Is a Rent Increase Not Allowed?

Even without a statewide limit, a landlord cannot raise your rent for the following illegal reasons:

• In retaliation for you making a formal complaint about the park or requesting repairs
• Because of discrimination against your race, religion, family status, disability, or another protected characteristic

If you suspect your rent was raised illegally, official Missouri tenant complaint forms and support agencies (see below) can help.

Relevant Forms for Missouri Mobile Home Renters

• Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form (Missouri Attorney General)
  When to use: If you believe your landlord increased rent for illegal reasons or is violating tenancy laws, you can submit this form. For example, a tenant who receives a sudden rent hike after reporting unsafe park conditions may fill out this form.
  Access the Missouri Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form

Note: Missouri does not have a specific state form for disputing rent increases in mobile home parks, but the above complaint form is the primary state resource for tenant issues.

Your Options If You Receive a Rent Increase

When you receive a 60-day notice about a rent increase:

• Review your lease terms and the date the change will take effect.
• Decide if you will accept the new terms, try to negotiate, or plan to move when your lease ends.
• Contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Office if you believe the increase is being made for an illegal reason.

Who Handles Mobile Home Tenancy Issues in Missouri?

If there's a major dispute that cannot be resolved with your landlord, you may have to file a civil case in your local Missouri Circuit Court. Missouri does not have a separate housing board or tribunal for residential/mobile home tenancies. The Missouri Attorney General's Office is the state agency to start with for complaints and resources.

Summary: What Missouri Law Says

• No limit on the amount of rent increase in mobile home parks
• Requires 60 days' written notice for any rent increase
• Landlords must follow anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws

FAQs: Rent Increase Rules in Missouri Mobile Home Parks

1. Is there a limit to how much my landlord can increase rent in a Missouri mobile home park?
   No, Missouri law does not have a maximum limit or cap on rent increases for mobile home lots. However, proper advance notice is required.
2. What should I do if I think my rent was increased illegally?
   If you believe the increase is due to retaliation, discrimination, or another unlawful reason, submit a complaint to the Missouri Attorney General using their official complaint form.
3. How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
   Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before the increase can take effect for mobile home park tenants.
4. Can I refuse to pay the increased rent?
   You must pay the increased rent if you wish to stay after the notice period, unless you have reached a different agreement with your landlord or are challenging the increase legally.
5. What agency helps with mobile home tenant disputes in Missouri?
   The Missouri Attorney General’s Office provides information, resources, and an official complaint process for tenants.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Attorney General’s Office: Landlord-Tenant Law – Official guidance, complaint forms, and legal information for renters statewide.
• Missouri Housing Development Commission – Resources for affordable housing and general renter support.
• Missouri Courts – For filing or responding to civil cases regarding mobile home park disputes.
• St. Louis Tenant Resources – Local support for renters facing eviction or discrimination in the St. Louis area.

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1. See Missouri Revised Statutes Section 700.527 – Mobile Home Park Lot Leases
2. Missouri Attorney General’s Office: Landlord-Tenant Law

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