Missouri Tiny Home Community Rules: A Renter’s Guide

As the popularity of tiny homes grows in Missouri, renters are finding new opportunities—and new challenges. Understanding the unique rules of tiny home communities in Missouri is key to protecting your rights as a renter, especially when facing lease changes, disputes, or maintenance issues. This guide covers the essential rules, key legal protections, community expectations, important forms, and where to turn for official help.

Understanding Tiny Home Community Rules in Missouri

Tiny home communities often have rules beyond standard rental apartments, and many are classified as manufactured home parks or RV parks under Missouri law. These regulations outline the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, including issues like lot rental agreements, amenities, maintenance responsibilities, and eviction procedures.

Key Rules and Lease Provisions

  • Written Rental Agreements: Always request a written lease that spells out your rent, services, occupancy limits, and community conduct rules.
  • Lot Fees and Rent: Rent in a tiny home community often includes lot fees, which should be clearly listed in your lease. Missouri law requires advance notice of any rent or fee increases—usually at least 30 days.[1]
  • Community Regulations: Tiny home communities may set additional rules regarding common areas, noise, pet restrictions, parking, exterior appearance, and home modifications. These should be present in your lease or a written community policy.
  • Utilities: Landlords must specify which utilities (water, electric, sewer) are included and which are your responsibility.

Missouri’s primary legislation protecting residential tenants is the Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law, Chapter 441. For tiny homes in manufactured home parks, Chapter 700 of the Missouri Revised Statutes covers additional rules governing placement, maintenance, and removal of homes.[2]

Eviction and Lease Termination: Special Considerations

Eviction in a tiny home community can follow general state rules or, in manufactured parks, specialized procedures. In most cases, landlords must first give a written termination or eviction notice, stating the reason and the date by which you must vacate. Typical reasons include nonpayment of rent, violating community rules, or health and safety violations.

  • For nonpayment of rent: You must receive a written notice ("Demand for Rent").[3]
  • In manufactured home parks: Owner/landlord must state the legal reason and give at least 60 days’ notice unless the eviction is for nonpayment, in which case 10 days’ notice is required.[2]
  • All eviction actions must be filed at the official Missouri court handling landlord-tenant matters.
Ad

Official Forms: Missouri Landlord-Tenant Situations

  • Demand for Rent (Form CC64A): Landlords use this to formally request unpaid rent before starting eviction. If you receive this, pay the amount listed or negotiate payment. Official form and instructions are on the Missouri Courts Form CC64A site.
    Example: If you miss a rental payment for your tiny home lot, the landlord sends this form. You can pay or contact the landlord to discuss options.
  • Petition for Rent & Possession (Form CC64): Used when the landlord starts an eviction in court. If you receive this, carefully review it and consider getting legal help. Access the official form at Missouri Courts Form CC64.
  • Motion to Stay Execution of Eviction (Form CC84): If you’re facing removal, you can use this to request more time from the court. The official form is available through Missouri Courts Form CC84.

Always check that any form you use comes directly from the official Missouri Courts website or the appropriate court office.

Repairs, Maintenance & Community Responsibilities

Missouri law requires landlords to keep the premises safe and habitable—even in tiny home communities. This includes services such as water, heat, waste disposal, and safe common areas. Tenants are responsible for caring for their home’s interior and reporting problems promptly. If you encounter unresolved maintenance issues, you can send a written notice to the landlord citing state requirements before considering court action.[1]

If you have issues with repairs or rule enforcement, document all communication with your landlord and keep copies of written notices or forms.

Who Handles Tenant Disputes in Missouri?

Landlord-tenant disputes—including those in tiny home communities—are generally handled by the Missouri Judiciary, Circuit Courts. Small claims courts can address issues like security deposit returns up to specific limits. There is no separate tenant tribunal, but state courts follow the official Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law.

Action Steps if You Have a Problem

  • Review your lease and community rules for relevant terms.
  • Communicate in writing with your landlord regarding disputes or requests for repairs.
  • If issues go unresolved, you may file a complaint or action with your local Circuit Court.

For legal action, the Missouri Judiciary provides a searchable directory of court locations and case information.

FAQ: Missouri Tiny Home Community Rules

  1. Do Missouri’s landlord-tenant laws apply to tiny home communities?
    Yes, if you rent a tiny home or its lot as your primary residence, the Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law and, for manufactured home parks, Chapter 700 apply.
  2. Can my landlord change the community rules or increase rent anytime?
    No, landlords must provide advance written notice—typically 30 days for rent changes, and reasonable notice for rule changes. Check your lease for specifics.
  3. What do I do if I get an eviction notice for my tiny home?
    Review the notice carefully. Respond promptly and consider using the official "Motion to Stay Execution of Eviction" form for more time. Seek legal assistance if needed.
  4. Who do I contact about unresolved problems in my tiny home community?
    First, communicate in writing with your landlord. For ongoing disputes, contact your local Missouri Circuit Court or a legal aid organization.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

  • Always insist on a written lease outlining community rules and your rights in any Missouri tiny home community.
  • Written notices are required for rent increases and evictions—watch for official forms and deadlines.
  • If problems arise, document everything, use official court forms, and know your local court can help resolve disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law, Chapter 441: Read the law
  2. Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 700: Manufactured Homes and Modular Units: Statute details
  3. Missouri Courts, Official Eviction Forms: Forms & Information
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.