Does Missouri have any rent control or rent stabilization programs?

No, Missouri does not have rent control or rent stabilization for residential properties as of 2025.

How much notice does my landlord need to give before a rent increase in Missouri?

Landlords must give at least 30 days written notice for rent increases on month-to-month leases.

What should I do if I believe a rent increase is discriminatory?

You can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights using their official Discrimination Intake Questionnaire form.

Can a landlord increase rent during a fixed-term lease in Missouri?

No, unless your lease specifically allows it, rent cannot be increased until the fixed-term lease ends.

What agency handles tenant complaints in Missouri?

There is no statewide tribunal for tenancy complaints; contact Missouri Circuit Courts or the Missouri Commission on Human Rights for specific issues.

Missouri Rent Control Laws: 2025 Renter Guide

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Missouri published June 21, 2025

If you rent an apartment or house in Missouri and are worried about rising monthly costs, you may wonder if there are state or local limits on how much your landlord can raise the rent. This guide explains Missouri’s position on rent control in 2025, how rent increases are regulated, and what steps you can take if you think a rent increase is unfair or unlawful.

Does Missouri Have Rent Control or Rent Stabilization?

Missouri does not have any statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. There are currently no Missouri cities that offer local rent control. This means landlords are generally allowed to raise the rent to any amount and as frequently as they choose, unless limited by a written lease agreement or if a rent increase is used for illegal discrimination or retaliation¹.

Missouri Law: State and Local Rules

There are no state, county, or city laws in Missouri that cap rent increases for tenants.
Cities such as Kansas City and St. Louis cannot create their own rent control ordinances due to state preemption rules.
Rent increases must comply with your current lease agreement; fixed-term leases often prevent increases until renewal.

This legal landscape can be challenging for renters, as it leaves rent increases largely up to landlords and market conditions.

How Do Rent Increases Work in Missouri?

Since there are no rent control or rent stabilization programs, Missouri law only requires landlords to:

Follow agreed lease terms for the duration of the lease
Give written notice before raising rent for month-to-month tenancies

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

For month-to-month renters: Landlords must give at least one rental period’s notice—typically 30 days².
For fixed-term leases (e.g., one year): No rent increase can occur until the term ends, unless your lease allows for mid-lease increases.

Always review your lease for any clauses about rent adjustments. If you receive a rent increase, your landlord should provide proper written notice.

Filing a Complaint or Disputing a Rent Increase

Even though there is no rent control, if you believe your landlord is increasing rent for discriminatory, retaliatory, or otherwise unlawful reasons, you have the right to file a complaint. While Missouri does not require a specific form for challenging rent increases, general tenant complaints related to housing discrimination or unsafe conditions can be addressed through the relevant agencies.

Key Official Forms for Missouri Renters

Discrimination Complaint Form: Used if you believe a rent increase is being used as illegal discrimination (for example, because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin).
- Form Name: Missouri Human Rights Complaint Intake Questionnaire
- When Used: For any discrimination by your landlord, such as rent increases based on protected status.
- How to Use: Fill in your details and the issue, upload or mail to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
- Official Missouri Discrimination Intake Form (PDF)
Maintenance or Unsafe Housing Complaint: Used if rent is being raised while the unit isn’t maintained or violates health/safety codes.
- Form varies by city; for Kansas City, use the KCMO Housing Complaint Form.

If your landlord raises rent without proper notice, document the communication and contact the city or municipal housing authority for support. Missouri is a judicial eviction state; disputes often go to county court.

Which Official Board Handles Residential Tenancies in Missouri?

There is no specific statewide tribunal or board for tenant-landlord disputes in Missouri. Eviction cases and major residential tenancy disputes are handled in Missouri Circuit Courts (county courts). For housing discrimination, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights is the official agency.

Relevant Missouri Tenant-Landlord Laws

These statutes outline tenant rights, landlord duties, and eviction processes in Missouri.

Missouri does not limit rent increases, but all tenants have rights against discrimination, illegal eviction, and unsafe living conditions. If you feel your rights are violated, gather documentation and reach out to the suggested resources below.

FAQ: Rent Increases and Tenant Rights in Missouri

Does Missouri have any rent control or rent stabilization programs?
No, there are no state or city rent control laws in Missouri for residential units. Landlords can generally raise rent as they choose, except where lease agreements prohibit increases during a fixed term.
How much notice must my landlord give before raising the rent?
For month-to-month leases, your landlord must provide you with at least one month’s written notice before raising your rent. For fixed-term leases, increases usually cannot occur until renewal.
What can I do if I think a rent increase is discriminatory?
File a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights using their Discrimination Intake Questionnaire (see official form above). Document your communications and any evidence supporting your claim.
Can my landlord evict me for not accepting a rent increase?
Yes, if you refuse a rent increase and your current lease term ends, your landlord can refuse to renew your lease and ask you to leave. However, they must follow legal eviction procedures through county courts.
Where can I learn more about my tenant rights in Missouri?
Review Missouri’s landlord-tenant statutes and contact the resources listed below for further guidance.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

Missouri has no rent control or rent stabilization laws in 2025.
Your lease and state notice requirements drive how and when rent can be increased.
Seek help from official agencies if you suspect discrimination or unlawful conduct.

Understanding your lease and Missouri law will empower you to respond to rent increases and seek help when necessary.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Missouri Commission on Human Rights – For housing discrimination complaints
Missouri Circuit Courts – For legal eviction procedures and tenancy disputes
Missouri Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Law
Kansas City Legal Aid Housing Law Services
St. Louis Housing Conservation Office