What Renters Should Know About Rent Control in Missouri

Many renters in Missouri have questions about rent control, rent stabilization, and what happens when their rent increases to market level. Understanding your rights—and your landlord’s responsibilities—can help you plan ahead and protect yourself from unfair rental increases.

Does Rent Control Exist in Missouri?

Missouri does not have rent control or rent stabilization laws at the state level. As a renter, this means there are currently no legal limits on how much your landlord can raise your rent when your lease ends or is up for renewal. Missouri law also prohibits cities from enacting their own rent control ordinances^[1]. So, regardless of where you live in Missouri—St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, or elsewhere—you are not protected by rent control.

What Is Market Rent?

"Market rent" means the amount a landlord can typically charge for a property based on supply and demand in your area. In Missouri, if you are on a month-to-month lease or your lease expires and your landlord chooses to increase your rent, the new amount can reflect current market rates without any maximum cap under state law.

How and When Can My Rental Rate Increase?

Landlords in Missouri must follow these rules when increasing rent:

• Proper written notice is required for any rent increase before it takes effect. For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give at least one full rental period’s (usually 30 days) written notice.
• Rent increases cannot occur during a fixed-term lease until the lease expires, unless your lease agreement says otherwise.
• Landlords cannot increase rent to discriminate against you for protected reasons, such as race, religion, or disability, according to the Missouri Human Rights Act^[2].

If you get a rent increase notice, review your lease and double-check that your landlord has provided the correct notice period as required by Section 441.060 of the Missouri Revised Statutes^[3]. Always request written notice and keep copies for your records.

Sample Scenario: Moving From Rent-Controlled to Market Rent in Missouri

Because there is no rent control in Missouri, if your rent was previously "below market" due to a kind landlord or subsidized lease, a landlord can choose to raise the rent to align with market rates when your current agreement expires. They must still provide the proper written notice. If you cannot afford the new rent, you may choose to negotiate, seek rental assistance, or consider moving.

Your Rights and Protections

While Missouri law does not cap rent increases, you still have important rights as a renter:

• Right to fair notice before a rent increase
• Right not to be discriminated against under the Missouri Human Rights Act
• Right to a habitable living space. Landlords must make necessary repairs—learn more on the Missouri Attorney General's official landlord-tenant page.

Common Forms and Where to Find Them

• Notice to Terminate Tenancy (No official form number): Used by landlords to notify tenants of a rent increase or end of tenancy. Missouri does not supply a standardized form, but you can find example termination and notice letters in the Attorney General’s landlord-tenant guide. Tenants should always request written notice and respond in writing if needed. Typically used when your landlord wants to raise the rent or end your month-to-month tenancy.

Which Authority Handles Rental Disputes in Missouri?

The main official agency for tenant-landlord matters in Missouri is the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. For cases involving discrimination, contact the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. There is no separate landlord-tenant tribunal in Missouri; unresolved cases may be brought to your local courthouse.

FAQ: Rent Increases, Market Rent, and Your Rights in Missouri

1. Do any cities in Missouri have rent control or rent stabilization?
   No, all cities and municipalities in Missouri are prohibited from enacting local rent control by state law^[1].
2. How much notice must my landlord give before raising rent?
   Your landlord must give you at least one full rental period's written notice (usually 30 days for month-to-month leases), as required by law^[3].
3. Can my landlord raise rent for discriminatory reasons?
   No, rent increases cannot be made to discriminate against you based on race, religion, disability, or other protected classes under state and federal law^[2].
4. Is there a form to challenge a rent increase in Missouri?
   No official challenge form exists. If you believe the rent increase is discriminatory, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
5. Where can I get help if I cannot afford a rent increase?
   You can contact local rental assistance programs through the Missouri Housing Development Commission or legal aid for renters.

Key Takeaways for Missouri Renters

• Missouri does not have rent control or rent stabilization laws, so rent can increase to market rates at lease renewal.
• Your landlord must give written notice (usually 30 days for month-to-month leases) before any rent increase.
• Rent increases cannot be based on discrimination, and you have resources for help if facing sudden increases.

Staying informed and knowing your rights as a renter can help you navigate sudden rent hikes and protect your housing stability in Missouri.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Guide
• Missouri Commission on Human Rights – For discrimination complaints
• Missouri Housing Development Commission Rental Assistance
• If you need to file a legal claim, contact your local Circuit Court

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1. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.043 – State Preemption of Rent Control
2. Missouri Human Rights Act
3. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.060 – Notice to Terminate Tenancy

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