What Missouri Renters Should Do If Their Landlord Breaks the Lease

If you're renting in Missouri and believe your landlord has broken the terms of your lease, it can feel confusing and stressful. Missouri law offers important protections for renters and clear steps to follow when lease agreements are violated. Understanding your options and resources can help you respond calmly and effectively.

Understanding Lease Violations in Missouri

When a landlord breaks a lease, it usually means failing to follow the terms both parties agreed to in your rental agreement. Common examples in Missouri include:

• Entering your unit without proper notice
• Refusing to make necessary repairs or maintain a safe living environment
• Attempting to unlawfully evict you or change the rental terms mid-lease
• Not returning your security deposit within the legal timeframe

Missouri renters are protected under the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441 – Landlord-Tenant Law, which outlines tenant and landlord responsibilities.

Steps to Take If Your Landlord Breaks the Lease

If you suspect your landlord has broken your lease, follow these steps for the strongest legal protection:

1. Review Your Lease and Missouri Tenant Law

• Read your rental agreement closely to confirm which terms have been violated.
• Check applicable sections of the Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law for your rights as a tenant.

2. Communicate with Your Landlord

• Start with a written notice. Politely describe the lease violation and request a solution.
• Keep copies of all correspondence, including emails, texts, and letters.

3. Document Everything

• Take notes on conversations, events, and any lease violations.
• Collect photos, videos, or receipts showing unsafe conditions or unaddressed repairs.

4. Submit an Official Complaint or Notice

• If informal efforts do not resolve the issue, consider serving a formal "Notice to Landlord of Violation."
  Relevant Form: While Missouri does not have a state-issued standardized form, you should draft a notice in writing stating the specific lease violation and a reasonable deadline for correction—typically 14 days. Sample formats are available on the Missouri Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Law web page.

• For unresolved safety or health issues (like lack of heat, water, or urgent repairs), you may contact your city or county's housing code enforcement office for a property inspection. Find contact links via your Missouri local public health agency.

5. File a Complaint with a State Office or Tribunal

• Mediation and legal action can be considered if problems are not resolved.
• Missouri renters may file a case in Missouri Circuit Court - Small Claims Division for disputes involving security deposits, damages, or monetary losses under $5,000.
• You can use the official "Missouri Small Claims Petition" (No. SC-01) for these cases. Download from the Missouri Courts website (Small Claims Forms).
• When to use this form: If your landlord refuses to return your security deposit after move-out or fails to make repairs that result in financial loss, the Small Claims Petition allows you to get monetary compensation without hiring an attorney.
• How to file: Complete the form, file it with your local Circuit Court, and pay the filing fee. More instructions are provided with the form on the Missouri Courts site.

6. Consider Legal Options and Tenant Support

• Free or low-cost legal help may be available from organizations such as Legal Services of Missouri.
• If your landlord attempts to evict you improperly, or retaliates for asserting your rights, seek legal advice immediately.

Missouri Agencies Handling Rental Issues

Unlike some states, Missouri does not have a centralized renter tribunal. Most disputes (such as nonpayment, repairs, or unlawful eviction) are handled by the Missouri State Courts, generally at the Circuit Court level. Concerns about discrimination may be directed to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

FAQ: Missouri Renters' Rights When a Landlord Breaks the Lease

1. Can my landlord change the locks or evict me without a court order in Missouri?
   No, a landlord cannot lock you out or evict you without going through the official court eviction process. This is considered "self-help eviction" and is not allowed under Missouri law.¹
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to return my security deposit?
   If 30 days have passed since move-out and you have not received your deposit or an itemized statement, you can send a demand letter and, if needed, file a Small Claims Petition with the Circuit Court.²
3. How much notice must my landlord give before entering my rental unit?
   Missouri law does not set a minimum notice period, but entry should be reasonable. Review your lease for any specific requirements, as most rental agreements specify at least 24 hours' notice.
4. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren't made?
   No, Missouri does not give tenants the right to withhold rent for repair issues. However, you may pay for "necessary repairs" and deduct the cost from your rent under certain conditions. Document everything carefully and follow the process laid out by Missouri law.³
5. Where can I get an official form or template for notifying my landlord?
   While Missouri does not issue standardized tenant notification forms, guidance and sample letters are available through the Missouri Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Law resources.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Missouri

• Missouri Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Law Guide: Legal basics, sample letters, and complaint info.
• Missouri Small Claims Forms (SC-01): Download forms for court action.
• Legal Services of Western Missouri: Free legal assistance for eligible renters.
• Missouri Commission on Human Rights: Report rental discrimination or harassment.
• Missouri Local Public Health Agencies: Contact for health or safety code violations.

---

1. See Missouri Revised Statutes §441.233 – Wrongful Eviction Prohibited
2. See Missouri Revised Statutes §535.300 – Security Deposits
3. See Missouri Revised Statutes §441.234 – Tenant’s Repair Rights

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