How to Report a Landlord in Missouri for Unsafe Living Conditions

How to Report a Landlord in Missouri for Unsafe Living Conditions

Last Updated: July 11, 2024 by Cameron Smith

When a renter in Missouri can’t obtain necessary repairs, it’s usually possible to file a report with the proper government departments about the unsafe conditions on the premises. Code inspectors can then order repairs or fine noncompliant landlords.

What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Missouri?

In Missouri, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:

  • Electric, gas, water, and sewer service.
  • Common areas.
  • Features required by local code.
  • Anything impacting health, safety, or habitability.

Any landlord action that leads to an interruption of utility services, along with any other issue that substantially impacts health and safety on a property, may qualify as an unsafe condition.

Read more

What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Missouri?

In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Missouri must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within a “reasonable” time, which is usually within 14 days.

Read more

How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Missouri?

Tenants in Missouri should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.

Location Organization Contact
Kansas City myKCMO Online Form
St. Louis Citizens’ Service Bureau Online Form
Springfield Citizen Resource Center Online Form

After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Kansas City?

A tenant in Kansas City can report a health or safety violation by calling the myKCMO service at (816) 513-1313 or using the provided online form. Most issues will fall under “Property Maintenance.” Answer the form questions, describe the issue, provide location and contact information, and submit.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in St. Louis?

A tenant in St. Louis can report a health or safety violation by calling the Citizens’ Service Bureau at (314) 622-4800 or using the provided online form. Most issues will fall under “Residential Property Inspections.” Enter location, answer the questions to detail the issue, provide contact information, and submit.

How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Springfield?

A tenant in Springfield can report a health or safety violation by calling the Citizen Resource Center at (417) 864-1010 or using the provided online form. Select an issue, enter the location, provide description and photo if possible, provide contact information, and submit.

What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Missouri?

An officer may inspect the property after a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Missouri. The landlord must fix noted code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.

Sources