Understanding Protected Classes in Missouri Rental Housing

If you're renting a home in Missouri, understanding who is protected against housing discrimination is crucial. Missouri and federal laws both protect renters from unfair treatment by landlords, property managers, or real estate agents based on specific personal characteristics. Knowing whether you are part of a protected class can help you respond if you believe your rights have been violated.

What Are Protected Classes in Missouri Housing?

"Protected classes" are groups of people who are legally shielded from discrimination when renting, buying, or living in housing. In Missouri, it's illegal for housing providers to refuse to rent, lie about availability, or provide different terms because someone belongs to a protected class. This applies when you apply for housing, renew your lease, or request repairs.

Protected Classes Under Missouri Law

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (families with children under 18, pregnant women, or those securing custody of a minor)
• National origin

Additionally, the federal Fair Housing Act ^[1] covers these same groups nationwide. Some local cities in Missouri may offer extra protections, so it’s wise to check your city’s ordinances.

Examples of Housing Discrimination

• A landlord refuses to rent to someone because of their national origin.
• A property manager tries to evict a family because they have children.
• A landlord denies a reasonable accommodation request from a tenant with a disability.
• Charging higher rent to applicants of a certain race or religion.

Your Rights and What Actions You Can Take

If you think you're facing discrimination based on any of the protected classes listed above, Missouri law offers clear paths to seek help and remedies. You have the right to:

• File a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR), which investigates housing discrimination cases.
• Request reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.

When you assert your rights, landlords cannot retaliate by evicting you, raising your rent, or changing your lease terms in response.

Understanding Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications

Renters with disabilities have the right to request reasonable changes or adjustments to rules, practices, or physical features so they can fully use and enjoy their home. Examples include allowing a service animal or installing a ramp at your own expense.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint in Missouri

If you believe your rights as a member of a protected class have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. This agency investigates and resolves fair housing complaints.

• Form Name: Discrimination Complaint Intake Form (no official form number)
  Use: This form is used by renters who believe they have experienced discrimination in rental housing.
  How to Use: Complete the form as soon as possible after the incident. For example, if you're denied a lease because you have children, fill out and submit this form to start an investigation.
  Where to Access: Missouri Complaint Intake Form

You must file within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. The MCHR will investigate and may help resolve your case, or refer you to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which also investigates fair housing violations.

Missouri’s Main Tenancy Tribunal

In Missouri, disputes related to housing discrimination are handled by the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. For general landlord-tenant disputes such as evictions, the local Missouri Circuit Court manages proceedings.

FAQs: Protected Classes & Housing Rights in Missouri

1. Who is protected from housing discrimination in Missouri?
   Missouri protects people based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. Some cities may extend protection to other groups.
2. What should I do if I face discrimination in my rental search?
   Gather any evidence, keep records, and file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights as soon as possible.
3. Are LGBTQ+ renters protected in Missouri?
   Yes. Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation is recognized under the "sex" category, per both federal and Missouri law.
4. Can a landlord refuse to rent to families with children?
   No. Familial status—including families with children or pregnant women—is a protected class under Missouri and federal law.
5. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   You must file your complaint within 180 days of when the discrimination occurred.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

• Missouri law protects renters from discrimination in housing based on seven main characteristics.
• If you experience discrimination, you can file a complaint online or by mail with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
• Know your rights, and keep records of interactions with landlords or property managers.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Commission on Human Rights – File or check the status of a complaint, or get more information on protected classes in Missouri.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – File federal fair housing complaints and access additional resources.
• Missouri Circuit Courts – Information for tenants facing eviction or other court proceedings.

---

1. Missouri Human Rights Act § 213.040
2. Federal Fair Housing Act

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