Missouri Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

Missouri Rent Increase Laws 2025 What Tenants Should Know

In 2025, Missouri remains a landlord-friendly state with no statewide rent control laws. Here are the key aspects tenants should know about rent increase regulations:

Key Points on Rent Increases

  • No Rent Control: Missouri does not cap rent increases, allowing landlords to raise rents as they see fit, provided they meet legal notice requirements.
  • Notice Requirements:
    • For month-to-month leases, landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice.
    • For fixed-term leases, rent increases can only occur at the end of the lease term unless otherwise stipulated in the lease agreement. A 60-day notice is typically required for year-long leases.
    • Mobile home park tenants are entitled to a minimum of 60 days’ notice for any rent increase.
  • Reasonableness: While there is no legal cap, rent increases should be reasonable to avoid disputes or claims of unfair practices.

Legal Protections for Tenants

  • Discrimination and Retaliation: Rent increases cannot be based on discriminatory reasons (e.g., race, religion, gender) or used as retaliation against tenants who assert their rights, as per the Fair Housing Act.
  • Lease Agreement Terms: Landlords cannot raise rent mid-lease unless explicitly allowed in the lease agreement.
  • Local Ordinances: Some cities, like Columbia, may have specific rules such as rent stabilization tied to inflation rates. Tenants should check local laws for additional protections.

What Tenants Should Do

  • Review lease agreements carefully for clauses about rent adjustments.
  • Ensure landlords provide proper written notice before any increase.
  • If a rent increase seems discriminatory, retaliatory, or violates lease terms, tenants can document the issue and seek legal advice.

Understanding these rights and obligations can help tenants navigate rent increases effectively in Missouri.

Sources:

  1. https://owossoindependent.com/missouri-rent-increase-laws-2025-what-tenants-should-know/
  2.  https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-missouri
  3.  https://fly.homes/blog/law-regulations/missouri-landlord-tenant-law/
  4.  https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-missouri
  5.  https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/missouri-rent-increases