Missouri landlords have a lot of responsibilities. Not only do they have to worry about finding good tenants and maintaining their property, but they also have to make sure they are in compliance with state and federal laws. Here are 10 key responsibilities of Missouri landlords:
- Comply with the Landlord-Tenant Law: The Landlord-Tenant Law is a set of laws that govern the relationship between landlords and tenants. These laws cover everything from security deposits to evictions. As a landlord, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the Landlord-Tenant Law and to make sure you are in compliance with all of its provisions.
- Maintain the Property in a Habitable Condition: Missouri law requires landlords to keep their rental properties in a “habitable” condition. This means that the property must be safe, clean, and free of major repairs. If there are any problems with the property that make it uninhabitable, it is the landlord’s responsibility to fix them in a timely manner.
- Disclose known Defects: Before renting out their property, landlords must disclose any known defects to potential tenants. This includes things like lead paint, mold, or asbestos. If the landlord does not disclose these defects, they could be held liable if the tenant is injured as a result.
- Provide Working Smoke Detectors: Landlords are required by law to provide working smoke detectors in all rental units. They must also ensure that these detectors are tested on a regular basis and replaced if they become damaged or defective.
- Respect Tenants’ Right to Privacy: Landlords must respect their tenants’ right to privacy. This means that they can only enter the rental unit for specific reasons (like making repairs) and must give the tenant adequate notice before doing so.
- Comply with Fair Housing Laws: Landlords must comply with federal, state, and local fair housing laws. This means that they cannot discriminate against potential tenants based on factors like race, religion, or national origin.
- Handle Security Deposits Properly: In Missouri, landlords are required to hold security deposits in a separate bank account and can only use them for specific purposes (like repairing damage caused by the tenant). If the landlord does not follow these rules, they could be liable for damages.
- Give Tenants Proper Notice Before Entering the Property: Landlords must give their tenants proper notice before entering the rental unit (unless it is an emergency). This notice must be given in writing and should specify the reason for entry as well as the date and time of entry.
- Evict Tenants Legally: If a tenant violates their lease or fails to pay rent, landlords can evict them from the property using the legal process outlined in Missouri law. This process includes giving the tenant written notice and going through court proceedings (if necessary).
- Comply with Building Codes: All rental properties must comply with state and local building codes. This includes things like adequate lighting, ventilation, and fire safety features. If the property does not meet these standards, it is up to the landlord to make the necessary changes.
FAQs
What are the rights of a Missouri landlord?
As a landlord in Missouri, you have certain rights that are protected by law. You have the right to set the rent for your property, as long as it is not discriminatory or in violation of any local rent control ordinances. You also have the right to collect a security deposit and to withhold a portion of it to cover damages or unpaid rent.
You have the right to enter the property for certain reasons, such as to make repairs or to show the property to potential tenants. However, you must give the tenant reasonable notice and obtain their consent, except in cases of emergency.
As a landlord, you have the right to evict a tenant who has violated the lease agreement or who has not paid rent, but you must follow the legal process for eviction and cannot engage in self-help measures such as changing the locks or removing the tenant’s possessions.
What are the Missouri landlord-tenant laws?
Missouri landlord-tenant laws govern the legal relationship between landlords and tenants in the state. Some key provisions of these laws include:
- Landlords must provide habitable premises that are fit for human occupancy and comply with all applicable building codes and safety regulations.
- Tenants have the right to a reasonable expectation of privacy and landlords must provide notice before entering the rental unit, except in cases of emergency.
- Landlords must provide tenants with written notice of any rent increases and cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights.
- Tenants have the right to prompt repair of essential services, such as heat and hot water, and can withhold rent or terminate the lease if repairs are not made within a reasonable time.
- Landlords can evict tenants for non-payment of rent, violation of the lease agreement, or other reasons allowed by law, but must follow proper legal procedures for eviction.
How can I find a Missouri landlord-tenant lawyer?
There are a few ways to find a Missouri landlord-tenant lawyer:
- Bar Association Referral Service: Contact the Missouri Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service, which can provide you with the names of qualified lawyers in your area.
- Online search: Use online search engines such as Google to search for “Missouri landlord-tenant lawyer” or “Missouri real estate lawyer.” You can also use legal directories such as Avvo, FindLaw, and Martindale to search for Missouri lawyers by practice area.
- Legal aid organizations: Missouri has several legal aid organizations that may provide assistance to tenants who cannot afford a lawyer. You can contact Legal Services of Eastern Missouri or Legal Aid of Western Missouri to see if you qualify for their services.
- Local law firms: Look for law firms in your local area that specializes in landlord-tenant law or real estate law. You can check their websites or call their offices to see if they offer services related to landlord-tenant law.
Conclusion
Being a landlord in Missouri comes with important responsibilities that must be taken seriously. These 10 key responsibilities, which include providing habitable living space, maintaining common areas, and properly handling security deposits, are critical to ensuring a successful landlord-tenant relationship. By upholding these responsibilities, landlords can not only avoid legal issues and financial losses but also foster positive relationships with their tenants. Ultimately, a well-informed and responsible landlord can lead to happier tenants, a better rental property, and a successful rental business.