General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
Last reviewed
The short version
- A tenant in good standing for six months may, after 14 days' written notice, fix a code violation affecting habitability and deduct the cost if it is under the greater of $300 or half a month's rent, never more than one month's rent. Dollar figure checked on the official code on October 29, 2026.
- Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance.
Missouri sets fewer statewide tenant rules than many states. It bans lockouts and utility shutoffs, allows a limited repair and deduct remedy for code violations and requires disclosure of known past methamphetamine production.
Missouri landlord-tenant rights at a glance
| Rule | Missouri | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant repair remedies | A tenant in good standing for six months may, after 14 days' written notice, fix a code violation affecting habitability and deduct the cost if it is under the greater of $300 or half a month's rent, never more than one month's rent. Dollar figure checked on the official code on October 29, 2026. | RSMo 441.234 |
| Deadline to return the deposit | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance. | RSMo 535.300 |
Repairs and habitability
Every residential tenancy comes with a duty to keep the home safe and livable. Put repair requests in writing and keep a dated record of each step.
Tenant repair remedies. A tenant in good standing for six months may, after 14 days' written notice, fix a code violation affecting habitability and deduct the cost if it is under the greater of $300 or half a month's rent, never more than one month's rent. Dollar figure checked on the official code on October 29, 2026. (RSMo 441.234)
Entry and privacy
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Retaliation
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Rent, late fees and grace periods
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Applications and screening
Federal fair housing law applies everywhere: apply the same written criteria to every applicant, and never screen on a protected characteristic.
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Disclosures to include with the lease
Disclosures are easiest to get right at lease signing. Other disclosures may also be required by your city or by the property itself, so check before you sign.
Required disclosures. Homes built before 1978 need the federal lead-based paint disclosure and the EPA pamphlet. (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (42 U.S.C. 4852d))
Required disclosures. A landlord who knows the property was ever used to produce methamphetamine must disclose that in writing to a prospective tenant. (RSMo 441.236)
Security deposits in brief
Deposit limit. A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. (RSMo 535.300)
Deadline to return the deposit. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance. (RSMo 535.300)
Mistakes to avoid
- Entering a unit without the notice the lease or the law requires.
- Letting a written repair request sit without a reply or a plan.
- Leaving required disclosures out of the lease packet.
- Applying screening criteria differently from one applicant to the next.
- Raising rent or ending a tenancy soon after a complaint without a documented, unrelated reason.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Missouri rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Missouri attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- RSMo 441.234
- RSMo 535.300
- Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (42 U.S.C. 4852d)
- RSMo 441.236
Official sources
Missouri forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Asked by landlords in this state.
What can a Missouri tenant do if repairs are not made?
A tenant in good standing for six months may, after 14 days' written notice, fix a code violation affecting habitability and deduct the cost if it is under the greater of $300 or half a month's rent, never more than one month's rent. Dollar figure checked on the official code on October 29, 2026. Source: RSMo 441.234.