Missouri Lease Agreement Create a Missouri Lease Agreement

Missouri Lease Agreement

Published Dec 07, 2025
0 Comments
1 Downloads

A Missouri Lease Agreement is a legal contract that outlines the rental terms, responsibilities, and conditions agreed to by a landlord and tenant for property located in Missouri.

Create a Missouri Lease Agreement

Lease Type

Select the type of property that this lease applies to from the options provided. This helps clarify the nature of the rental arrangement and can affect lease terms and tenant rights. If your property type is not listed, choose "Other" and specify what it is.

Missouri Lease Agreement Preview
View Document
Create
Download PDF

Table of Contents

0% Complete 0/0 Fields

MISSOURI LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is entered into on this (the "Effective Date"), by and between:

LANDLORD:
Name:
Mailing Address:
("Landlord")

AND TENANT(S):
Name:

("Tenant").

The Landlord and Tenant may collectively be referred to as the "Parties."

I. PROPERTY

The Landlord agrees to lease to the Tenant, and the Tenant agrees to lease from the Landlord, the residential premises located at the following address (the "Premises"):

The Premises consists of:

The Premises includes the following furnishings and appliances:

II. TERM

The term of this Agreement shall be (check one):

III. RENT

The Tenant agrees to pay the Landlord rent in the amount of $ per month.

Rent is due on the day of each month.

Rent shall be paid by the following method(s):

Payment instructions:

IV. LATE FEES AND RETURNED CHECKS

If rent is not paid by the day of the month, the Tenant shall pay a late fee of:

If a check is returned for insufficient funds (NSF), the Tenant shall pay a fee of $, in addition to any bank charges incurred by the Landlord.

V. SECURITY DEPOSIT

Upon execution of this Agreement, the Tenant shall deposit with the Landlord the sum of $ as a security deposit.

Statutory Limit: Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 535.300, this amount shall not exceed two (2) months' rent.

Return of Deposit: In accordance with Missouri Revised Statutes Section 535.300, the Landlord shall return the security deposit, or the balance thereof, within thirty (30) days after the termination of the tenancy. If any deductions are made, the Landlord must provide a written itemized list of damages and the costs of repairs.

The Security Deposit may be used for:
1. Default in the payment of rent;
2. Restoring the Premises to its condition at the commencement of the tenancy, ordinary wear and tear excepted; and
3. Damages resulting from the Tenant's failure to give adequate notice of termination.

VI. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

Responsibility for payment of utilities and services shall be as follows (check responsible party):

Electricity:

Gas/Heat:

Water:

Sewer:

Trash Removal:

Cable/Internet:

Lawn Care:

Snow Removal:

Other: -

VII. OCCUPANTS

The Premises shall be occupied only by the Tenant and the following individuals:

Guests staying more than consecutive days or more than days in a twelve-month period require written consent from the Landlord.

VIII. PETS

IX. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

Tenant's Obligations: The Tenant shall keep the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition. The Tenant is responsible for minor repairs and damages caused by the Tenant, guests, or pets. The Tenant shall promptly notify the Landlord of any necessary repairs or dangerous conditions.

Landlord's Obligations: The Landlord shall maintain the structure, roof, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in good working order and ensure the Premises is fit for human habitation.

X. RIGHT OF ENTRY

The Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises to inspect the property, make necessary repairs, or show the property to prospective tenants or buyers. Except in cases of emergency, the Landlord shall provide the Tenant with reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) before entering.

XI. MISSOURI SPECIFIC DISCLOSURES

1. Methamphetamine Production Disclosure (RSMo § 441.236):
The Landlord discloses that to the best of their knowledge (check one):

2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure:
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly.
The Premises was built:

XII. DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

If the Tenant fails to pay rent when due or violates any other term of this Agreement, the Landlord may terminate this Agreement in accordance with Missouri law.

Rent and Possession: Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 535, if rent is unpaid, the Landlord may file a suit for Rent and Possession to recover the property and unpaid rent.

Unlawful Detainer: If the Tenant holds over after the termination of the lease or violates lease terms, the Landlord may pursue an action for Unlawful Detainer pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 534.

XIII. ABANDONMENT

If the Tenant is absent from the Premises for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days while rent is in default, or if the Tenant removes a substantial portion of their belongings while rent is in default, the Premises shall be deemed abandoned. The Landlord may enter, re-rent the Premises, and dispose of any personal property remaining in accordance with Missouri law.

XIV. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes Section 441.030, the Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet any portion of the Premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord.

XV. INDEMNIFICATION

The Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or injury to the Tenant, or any other person, or to any property, occurring on the Premises or any part thereof, or in common areas thereof, unless such damage or injury is the proximate result of the negligence or unlawful act of the Landlord, their agents, or employees.

XVI. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri.

XVII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior understandings, agreements, or representations. This Agreement may only be modified in writing and signed by both Parties.

XVIII. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

XIX. SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

LANDLORD:
Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:

TENANT:
Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:

What is a Missouri Lease Agreement?

A Missouri Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract executed between a landlord (lessor) and a tenant (lessee) to define the terms of a rental arrangement for real property within the state. This document establishes the rights and obligations of both parties, specifying critical details such as the monthly rental amount, the duration of the tenancy, security deposit requirements, and rules regarding property maintenance. It serves as the primary governing instrument for the landlord-tenant relationship and provides the legal basis for dispute resolution in the event of a breach of contract. While oral agreements can be valid for tenancies of less than one year, a written contract is standard practice to ensure enforceability and clarity under Missouri state law.

Legal Framework and Statutes

The landlord-tenant relationship in this jurisdiction is primarily governed by the Missouri Revised Statutes (MRS), specifically Chapters 441, 534, and 535. These statutes outline the procedures for creating tenancies, handling security deposits, and executing evictions. Unlike some jurisdictions with strict rent control ordinances, Missouri law prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control policies, allowing landlords to set market rates freely. Furthermore, the state enforces the implied warranty of habitability, which requires landlords to maintain premises in a condition fit for human habitation, regardless of specific lease terms. Federal laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, also apply, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Security Deposit Regulations

One of the most regulated aspects of a Missouri Lease Agreement is the collection and return of security deposits. According to Missouri Revised Statute § 535.300, a landlord cannot charge a security deposit that exceeds the equivalent of two months' rent. This cap is strictly enforced to protect tenants from excessive upfront costs. Upon the termination of the lease, the landlord is required to return the deposit, or the remaining balance, within 30 days. If any portion of the deposit is withheld to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written, itemized list of these damages. Failure to comply with these return protocols can result in the landlord being liable for up to twice the amount of the wrongfully withheld deposit.

Required Disclosures and Elements

For a rental contract to be valid and compliant with state and federal regulations, specific disclosures and elements must be included. While Missouri has fewer mandatory disclosures than some coastal states, certain information is non-negotiable for the protection of all parties involved.

Key Components of a Valid Agreement

  • Identification of Parties: The full legal names of the landlord and all adult tenants responsible for the lease.
  • Property Description: The physical address and unit number of the rental premises.
  • Methamphetamine Disclosure: Under MRS § 441.236, landlords must disclose if they have prior knowledge that the property was used for methamphetamine production, specifically if the production involved certain controlled substances.
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Pursuant to federal law, for any housing built prior to 1978, the landlord must provide a warning statement and information regarding lead-based paint hazards.
  • Management Information: The name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and receive legal notices.

Rights and Obligations of Parties

The lease agreement delineates specific duties for both the lessor and the lessee. Tenants are generally entitled to the "quiet enjoyment" of the property, meaning they can reside without unreasonable interference from the landlord. However, Missouri law does not specify a mandatory notice period for landlord entry, meaning the lease itself should define reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) for inspections or repairs. Tenants are obligated to pay rent on the agreed-upon date, keep the premises sanitary, and avoid engaging in illegal activities on the property. Landlords must adhere to building and housing codes, make necessary repairs to keep the unit habitable, and follow due process for evictions. Self-help evictions, such as changing locks or shutting off utilities without a court order, are illegal in Missouri.

How to Execute a Missouri Lease Agreement

Finalizing a rental contract involves several procedural steps to ensure the document is legally binding and accurately reflects the condition of the property.

  1. Step 1: Application and Screening - The landlord collects a rental application to verify the tenant's income, credit history, and rental background. This step often establishes the financial viability of the potential tenant.
  2. Step 2: Drafting the Agreement - The landlord prepares the document, ensuring all state-specific clauses regarding security deposits, late fees, and lease duration are included.
  3. Step 3: Property Inspection - Both parties should conduct a walkthrough of the premises. While not strictly mandated by statute for all leases, creating a move-in checklist is highly recommended to document existing damages and avoid security deposit disputes later.
  4. Step 4: Signing and Dating - All parties must sign the document. In Missouri, notarization is not required for standard residential leases, but providing a copy of the fully executed agreement to the tenant is standard legal practice.

Termination and Eviction Procedures

The conclusion of a tenancy is governed by the terms of the lease and state statutes. For month-to-month tenancies, MRS § 441.060 requires at least one month's written notice from either party to terminate the arrangement. Fixed-term leases typically expire on the date specified in the contract without the need for additional notice, unless the lease contains an automatic renewal clause. In cases of non-payment of rent, Missouri is distinct in that landlords can file for a "Rent and Possession" suit immediately after a missed payment, without a statutory grace period or a requirement to provide a specific notice to pay or quit, unless the lease states otherwise. For other lease violations, a 10-day notice is generally required before eviction proceedings can commence.

While oral agreements are recognized for tenancies lasting less than one year, a written document is highly recommended to clearly define terms and provide legal protection for both parties. Any lease for a duration of longer than one year must be in writing to be enforceable under the Statute of Frauds.
Missouri state law does not impose a statutory cap on late fees. However, fees must be written into the lease agreement and should be reasonable to avoid being challenged in court as a penalty rather than a recovery of costs.
State statutes do not specify a mandatory notice period for landlord entry. Consequently, the lease agreement should explicitly state the required notice period, which is customarily 24 hours, except in cases of emergency.
Under Missouri Revised Statute § 535.300, a landlord is prohibited from demanding a security deposit that exceeds the equivalent of two months' rent.
No, there is no state-mandated grace period for rent payments. Rent is considered late the day after it is due, and landlords may begin eviction proceedings immediately unless the lease agreement specifies a grace period.
Pet deposits can be either refundable or non-refundable, depending on the terms specified in the lease. However, the total amount of the security deposit, including any pet deposit, generally must adhere to the two-month rent cap.

Not the form you're looking for?

Try our legal document generator to create a custom document

Community Discussion

Share your experience and help others

0

Comments (0)

Leave a Comment

Your email will not be displayed publicly. It is used for validation purposes only and will never be used to send unwanted emails or sold to third parties.

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Legal Notice: Comments are personal opinions and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for matters specific to your situation.