Missouri Rent Increase Laws

Missouri Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 8, 2024 by Jessica Menefee

Rent Increase Facts Answer
Reason Needed? No
Maximum Amount None
Required Notice No Statute (except for mobile homes)

Does Missouri Have Rent Control?

Missouri does not have rent control laws limiting the amount landlords request. State law prohibits local governments from establishing local rent control laws.

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When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Missouri?

Landlords in Missouri can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:

  • Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)
  • Give reasonable notice
  • Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or locally determined retaliatory reasons

example

60 days before the end of a year-long lease, a landlord sends the tenant a notice that rent will increase by 2.5% if they choose to renew the lease.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Missouri?

Landlords in Missouri may not raise the rent if:

  • The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.
  • It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).

Although most other states have landlord retaliation laws, Missouri law does not address retaliatory rent increases. However, local governments may enact retaliation laws.

For example, in Kansas City, landlords cannot increase rent because a tenant:

  • Filed a complaint with the landlord or appropriate agency regarding the health or safety of the property
  • Joined or organized a tenants’ group or union
  • Was the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking

How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Missouri?

Landlords in Missouri can increase the rent as often as they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the number of rent increases per year.

How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Missouri?

Missouri law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent, except 60 days’ notice is required for mobile homes (unless the rent increase is due to an increase in property taxes).

The notice period required for the termination of a lease is typically used as reasonable notice for a rent increase as follows:

  • Year-to-year lease – 60 days’ notice
  • Month-to-month lease – 30 days’ notice

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Missouri?

In Missouri, landlords can raise the rent by any amount. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

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