Missouri Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Missouri Rental Lease Agreement Templates

A Missouri lease agreement sets down the rules of a rental between a landlord and tenant for a defined period. It addresses the monthly rent, lease term, deposit amount, maintenance responsibilities, and any conditions for early termination.

Missouri caps security deposits at two months’ rent and requires landlords to return them within 30 days of the tenant moving out. The state does not mandate a grace period for late rent or set a statutory cap on late fees.

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Types (6)

Commercial (PDF)

For leasing business-zoned property to restaurants, offices, warehouses, retail stores, or other commercial tenants under a fixed term.

 

Lease-to-Own (PDF)

A lease-option contract that functions as a standard rental but includes an option for the tenant to purchase the property at an agreed-upon price.

 

Month-to-Month

A lease that automatically renews each month until either party gives at least 1 month’s written notice to end the tenancy.

 

Roommate (PDF)

A contract between roommates to set expectations for daily tasks, guest policies, rent splits, and other matters in a shared rental.

 

Standard (Residential)

Establishes the rental terms for a Missouri house, apartment, or condo, typically lasting 1 year.

 

Sublease (PDF)

Used by a tenant to rent their leased space to another person for all or part of the remaining lease term, with the landlord’s consent.

 

Renting in Missouri

Most Common Rental Type Single-Family Homes
Average Rent $1,067/mo
Households That Rent 31.4%
Average Renter Household Size 2.0
Rental Vacancy Rate 8.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2024)[7] & Housing Vacancy Survey (2024)[8]

What is a Missouri Lease Agreement?

A Missouri lease agreement sets the terms of a rental between a property owner and a tenant. It records the obligations that both sides must follow throughout the tenancy.

One notable feature of Missouri law is that the implied warranty of habitability applies only to buildings with three or more units. Tenants renting a single-family house or duplex have fewer automatic protections, making the written lease the primary safeguard of their rights.

State Laws & Guides

Laws: RSMo Ch. 441 – Landlord and Tenant | RSMo Ch. 535 – Landlord-Tenant Actions

Guides:

When is Rent Due?

Missouri does not specify a default rent due date. The lease agreement determines when rent is due. There is no state-mandated grace period, and late fees are not capped by statute.

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Missouri does not have a specific statute governing landlord entry. In practice, landlords may enter without notice in an emergency.

Non-Emergency: While no specific notice period is set by statute, landlords are expected to provide reasonable notice before entering at reasonable times. 24 hours is the recommended standard.

Landlord’s Duties

Under Missouri law, landlords must:[1]

  • Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building, housing, and health codes.
  • Repairs: Make all necessary repairs to keep the dwelling fit and habitable.
  • Common Areas: Keep shared areas clean and in a safe condition.
  • Systems: Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and sanitary systems in good working order.

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants must comply with the following:[2]

  • Building Codes: Comply with all obligations imposed by local code enforcement.
  • Trash: Dispose of garbage in a safe and sanitary manner.
  • Appliances & Systems: Use all electrical, heating, and plumbing fixtures reasonably.
  • Property Care: Do not destroy, deface, or damage the premises or common areas.
  • Subletting: Do not sublease or add tenants without the landlord’s written consent.

Required Disclosures

Names and Addresses (§ 535.185): The landlord must provide the name and address of the person authorized to manage the property and the person to whom notices should be sent.[3]

Methamphetamine Production (§ 441.236): If the property was previously used as a site for methamphetamine production, the landlord must disclose this in writing to prospective tenants, regardless of whether anyone was convicted.[4]

Lead-Based Paint: Required under federal law for all dwellings built before 1978. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA information pamphlet.[5]

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount: The security deposit cannot exceed 2 months’ rent.[6]

Returning to Tenant: The deposit must be returned within 30 days after the tenancy ends. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide a written itemized list of damages.[6]

Deposit Interest: Any interest earned on the deposit belongs to the landlord.[6]

Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may deduct for:[6]

  • Unpaid rent
  • Damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear
  • Damages from early termination without proper notice