Being a tenant in Missouri can be a challenging experience, especially when landlords engage in illegal actions that violate the rights of their tenants. As a tenant, it is important to be aware of these actions and know how to protect yourself from them. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 illegal actions that landlords do in Missouri, along with tips on how to protect yourself and your rights as a tenant.
Discrimination: Landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. This includes denying a tenant the right to rent a property or imposing different terms or conditions on a tenant based on their protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
Retaliation: Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants for exercising their rights. This includes things like complaining about habitability issues, withholding rent due to a lack of repairs, or joining a tenants' union. If a landlord retaliates against you for exercising your rights, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
Failure to make repairs: Landlords are required to make necessary repairs to the rental property and maintain it in a safe and habitable condition. If a landlord fails to make repairs and the property becomes uninhabitable, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease.
Entering the rental unit without proper notice: Landlords are required to give tenants proper notice before entering the rental unit. This notice must be given at least 24 hours in advance and must specify the date and time of entry. If a landlord enters your rental unit without proper notice, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
Increasing rent or imposing additional fees in violation of rent control laws: Some cities in Missouri have rent control laws that limit the amount landlords can charge in rent and prohibit landlords from imposing additional fees. If a landlord increases rent or imposes additional fees in violation of these laws, you can file a complaint with the local housing authority.
Harassment: Landlords are prohibited from harassing tenants. This includes things like threatening to evict a tenant, interrupting essential services like electricity and water, and making unwanted visits to the rental property. If a landlord is harassing you, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
Illegally evicting a tenant: Landlords must follow specific procedures when evicting a tenant. They must give proper notice, such as a 3-day notice for non-payment of rent, and obtain a court order before physically evicting a tenant. If a landlord evicts you without following these procedures, you may be able to file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
Ignoring health and safety laws: Landlords are required to comply with state and local health and safety laws, such as those related to lead paint and bedbugs. If a landlord fails to comply with these laws and your health is at risk, you can file a complaint with the local health department.
Failure to return security deposit: Landlords are required to return a tenant's security deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out. If a landlord fails to do so, or deducts amounts from the deposit without proper justification, the tenant may be able to file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
Providing false information: Landlords are prohibited from providing false information to tenants. This includes things like lying about the condition of the rental property, the availability of the property, or the terms of the lease.
To be clear, the majority of our tenant/clients decide they will not pay rent when one of these actions mentioned above happens. Pay rent, then let us help you sort all of this out. Not paying rent makes it extremely tough for us to help you. Additionally, your contract generally controls. We will need to examine your contract to interpret it in concert with Missouri law. Call us today
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