Missouri Required Landlord Disclosures: State and Federal Rules

Compared to states like California or New York, Missouri places relatively few mandatory disclosure burdens on landlords. However, strict adherence to the few required federal and state disclosures is essential to avoid severe penalties.

Official Law Citation: Missouri requires landlords to disclose if they have knowledge that the property was a site of methamphetamine production. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.236)

Mandatory Disclosures in Missouri

Landlords in Missouri must provide the following disclosures to tenants before or at the time of signing a lease.

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal)

This is a strict federal requirement for all residential properties constructed prior to 1978.

• What must be disclosed: Any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the rental unit.
• Required Documents:

1. An EPA-approved information pamphlet on identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards ("Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home").
2. A specific lead-based paint disclosure form attached to the lease, acknowledging the warning, signed by both the landlord and the tenant.

• Penalties: Failure to comply with federal lead paint rules can result in civil fines of tens of thousands of dollars per violation.

2. Methamphetamine Contamination Disclosure (State)

Under Missouri law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.236), landlords have a specific duty regarding properties that have been used to produce illegal drugs.

• What must be disclosed: If the landlord has knowledge that the property, or a prior occupant of the property, was used in the production of methamphetamine, they must disclose this in writing.
• Condition: This disclosure is required regardless of whether or not the property has been cleaned or remedied, provided the landlord knows of the history.

Highly Recommended (Best Practice) Disclosures

While Missouri statutes do not explicitly mandate the following disclosures in standard residential leases, failing to disclose known, non-obvious defects can lead to lawsuits under general fraud, negligence, or implied warranty of habitability claims.

1. Shared Utilities

If the property has shared utilities (e.g., a duplex where one meter covers both units), the landlord should explicitly disclose how utility costs are calculated and divided in the lease agreement. Failure to do so often leads to disputes and potential liability.

2. Move-In/Move-Out Checklist

While Missouri doesn't legally mandate a move-in checklist, it is heavily implied as a necessity due to security deposit laws. A signed checklist detailing the condition of the unit upon move-in is the only reliable way a landlord can prove a tenant caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear when claiming security deposit deductions.

3. Non-Refundable Fees

If charging any non-refundable fees (like a pet fee or move-in fee), it must be explicitly disclosed in the lease as a "fee" and not a "deposit." Missouri law considers anything labeled a "deposit" to be fully refundable.

4. Known Mold or Hazards

While there isn't a specific statutory mold disclosure, a landlord is required to maintain a habitable premises. Knowingly renting a property with a significant, hidden mold issue or structural hazard without disclosure violates the implied warranty of habitability.

Local Municipal Disclosures

Missouri recently prohibited local municipalities from enacting rent control or eviction moratoriums (via HB 595 in 2024). However, cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia may still have specific local ordinances regarding:

• Occupancy permits or certificates of compliance.
• Local housing code requirements that must be acknowledged. Always check the municipal ordinances where the property is located.

How Landager Helps

Landager tracks lease terms, compliance rules, and late fee schedules - making it easy to stay compliant with Missouri regulations.

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