Unlike a Missouri rental application, a Missouri lease agreement is a legal document between a landlord (lessor) and a potential tenant (lessee). It outlines the terms and conditions for tenancy in the state of Missouri, highlighting both the landlord and tenant responsibilities.
In Missouri, the standard residential lease agreement is a fixed-term lease agreement. This type of contract specifies a predetermined duration, typically six months or one year, during which the tenant has the right to occupy the property. It provides stability for both landlords and tenants.
How to write a Missouri lease agreement
Writing a Missouri lease agreement is a straightforward process with our easy-to-use online template:
- Fill out the names and contact information of the landlord and tenant, property details, move-in date, lease duration, and rent amount.
- Add in additional information regarding property managers, late fees, and payment terms.
- Ensure both the tenant and landlord sign the lease agreement.
A Missouri lease agreement should include necessary disclosures to ensure transparency and compliance with federal law and state laws. These include information about lead-based paint (for properties built before 1978), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and methamphetamine contamination.
State law limits landlords to charging no more than two month’s rent as a security deposit.
The security deposit must be returned within 30 days of the tenant’s move-out date.
If applicable, landlords must provide an itemized list of all deductions within this 30-day period.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it usually requires the agreement of both parties or valid reasons as outlined in the lease or under state law.
Generally, rent increases aren’t allowed during fixed-term leases unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement. However, landlords may increase the rent after the lease term expires with proper notice.
Verbal lease agreements may be valid in Missouri for lease terms shorter than one year. However, we recommend you have a written lease agreement to avoid disputes.
Except for emergencies, a landlord must provide reasonable notice before entering the rental property. In non-emergency situations, the notice period is typically 24 hours.
If a tenant violates the Missouri rental lease agreement, the landlord may issue a notice to cure the violation. If the tenant fails to rectify the issue, the landlord may proceed with eviction proceedings as outlined in state law.
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