What a landlord cannot do in Missouri?

What a landlord cannot do in Missouri?

In Missouri, landlords must adhere to certain laws and regulations when renting out their properties. There are specific actions that landlords are prohibited from taking to protect the rights of tenants. Here are some things that a landlord cannot do in Missouri:

1. **Retaliate against a tenant:**
Landlords in Missouri cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights, such as complaining about housing code violations or joining a tenant’s union.

2. **Discriminate against tenants:**
Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on factors such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status.

3. **Enter a rented property without notice:**
Landlords must provide at least 24 hours of notice before entering a rented property, except in cases of emergency.

4. **Shut off utilities:**
Landlords cannot shut off utilities such as water, gas, or electricity as a form of retaliation or to force a tenant to leave.

5. **Change locks without permission:**
Landlords cannot change the locks on a rented property without the tenant’s permission, except in cases of eviction.

6. **Evict a tenant without proper notice:**
Landlords must provide tenants with proper notice before initiating eviction proceedings, which can vary depending on the reason for eviction.

7. **Keep a security deposit without reason:**
Landlords must provide tenants with an itemized list of deductions if they decide to withhold any portion of the security deposit.

8. **Enter a rented property for non-emergency reasons without consent:**
Landlords must obtain the tenant’s consent before entering a rented property for reasons other than emergencies or necessary repairs.

9. **Charge excessive late fees:**
Landlords cannot charge tenants excessive late fees, as these fees must be reasonable and within the limits set by Missouri law.

10. **Disclose false information:**
Landlords are prohibited from providing false or misleading information to tenants, especially regarding the condition of the rental property.

11. **Retain personal property left behind by a former tenant:**
Landlords must follow the proper procedures for handling and storing personal property left behind by a former tenant, including providing notice to the tenant.

12. **Harassment:**
Landlords cannot engage in harassment or intimidation tactics against tenants, as this behavior is illegal and can lead to legal consequences.

Overall, it is essential for landlords in Missouri to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations towards their tenants to maintain a fair and lawful landlord-tenant relationship. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal action being taken against the landlord.

FAQs:

1. Can a landlord increase rent whenever they want in Missouri?

A landlord in Missouri can increase rent, but they must provide proper notice to the tenant before doing so, usually 30 days in advance.

2. Are there any limits to security deposits in Missouri?

Yes, landlords in Missouri cannot charge security deposits that exceed two months’ rent for unfurnished units or three months’ rent for furnished units.

3. Can a landlord evict a tenant without a valid reason in Missouri?

In Missouri, landlords can evict tenants for reasons such as nonpayment of rent, lease violations, or illegal activities on the premises.

4. Can a landlord refuse to make repairs in Missouri?

Landlords in Missouri are legally obligated to maintain the rental property in a habitable condition and make necessary repairs promptly.

5. Can a landlord deduct cleaning fees from a security deposit in Missouri?

Landlords can deduct cleaning fees from a security deposit only if the property was left excessively dirty beyond normal wear and tear.

6. Can a landlord charge tenants for repairs in Missouri?

Landlords in Missouri can only charge tenants for repairs if the damages were caused by the tenant’s negligence or misuse of the rental property.

7. Can a landlord terminate a lease before it expires in Missouri?

Landlords can terminate a lease early in Missouri if the tenant violates the terms of the lease agreement or engages in illegal activities on the premises.

8. Can a landlord show the rental property to prospective tenants in Missouri?

Landlords can show the rental property to prospective tenants but must provide reasonable notice to the current tenant before doing so.

9. Can a landlord charge application fees in Missouri?

Landlords in Missouri can charge application fees to cover the costs of screening potential tenants, but the fees must be reasonable and non-discriminatory.

10. Can a landlord refuse to rent to tenants with pets in Missouri?

Landlords can refuse to rent to tenants with pets in Missouri unless the tenant has a service or emotional support animal protected under fair housing laws.

11. Can a landlord withhold security deposit for normal wear and tear in Missouri?

Landlords in Missouri cannot withhold security deposits for normal wear and tear but can deduct for damages beyond normal use.

12. Can a landlord change the terms of a lease agreement in Missouri?

Landlords cannot change the terms of a lease agreement during the lease term unless both parties agree to the changes in writing.

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