Missouri Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know
Missouri does not have rent control laws, meaning there is no statewide cap on how much a landlord can raise the rent. However, there are specific regulations and guidelines that both landlords and tenants should be aware of:
Key Points for Tenants
- Notice Periods:
- For year-long leases, landlords typically need to provide at least 60 days’ notice before raising the rent.
- For month-to-month leases, a minimum of 30 days’ notice is required.
- Timing of Rent Increases:
- Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless specified in the lease agreement or if both parties agree in writing.
- Increases usually occur at the end of a lease term or upon renewal.
- Reasonableness and Fairness:
- While there’s no cap on increases, they should be reasonable and justifiable based on market conditions.
- Landlords must avoid discriminatory practices when raising rent.
- Retaliation Prohibition:
- Landlords cannot raise rent as retaliation against tenants who exercise their legal rights (e.g., reporting housing violations).
- Local Ordinances:
- Some cities might have additional local regulations regarding rent increases; it’s essential to check these specific rules.
Additional Considerations
- Landlords often consider economic factors like inflation and market demand when deciding to increase rents.
- Lease agreements may include clauses limiting or specifying conditions for future rent increases; reviewing these terms is crucial for tenants.
Overall, while Missouri offers flexibility in setting rents due to its lack of state-level controls, tenants are protected by requirements for advance notice and prohibitions against discriminatory or retaliatory actions by landlords.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-missouri
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-missouri
[3] https://www.turbotenant.com/rental-lease-agreement/missouri/laws/
[4] https://www.doorloop.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent
