Missouri · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

Missouri tenant repair rights

What a landlord in Missouri must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

No general statewide habitability statute; local housing and building codes apply, and the Attorney General says the landlord's repair duties depend mainly on the lease and local codes.

Repair and deduct
Only in limited cases
Withholding rent
Not allowed
Notice before entry
No statute

Repairs in Missouri

The landlord's duty
No general statewide habitability statute; local housing and building codes apply, and the Attorney General says the landlord's repair duties depend mainly on the lease and local codes.
How to ask for repairs
Give the landlord written notice of your intent to fix the condition at the landlord's expense; the landlord has 14 days.
Repair and deduct
Allowed only in narrow cases. You must have lived there 6 straight months, paid all rent and charges, and had no uncured written lease violations. The problem must hurt habitability, sanitation or security and violate a local housing or building code, and cost less than $300 or half a month's rent, whichever is greater (never more than one month's rent). Give written notice; if the landlord does not fix it within 14 days (or sooner in an emergency), you may have it done and deduct the cost after giving an itemized statement with receipts. If the landlord disputes the repair in writing, you need a written certification from the city that it is a code violation first. Limit: one month's rent per 12 months (RSMo 441.234).
Withholding rent
not allowed; withholding rent can get you evicted. Only the repair-and-deduct remedy above.
Law
RSMo 441.234

Landlord entry in Missouri

no statute; check your lease.

Retaliation in Missouri

No statewide statute protecting tenants from retaliation.

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In Missouri: Give the landlord written notice of your intent to fix the condition at the landlord's expense; the landlord has 14 days.
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for Missouri

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Missouri's rule on asking for repairs:Give the landlord written notice of your intent to fix the condition at the landlord's expense; the landlord has 14 days.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in Missouri

Questions about repairs in Missouri

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in Missouri?

Give the landlord written notice of your intent to fix the condition at the landlord's expense; the landlord has 14 days.

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in Missouri?

Allowed only in narrow cases. You must have lived there 6 straight months, paid all rent and charges, and had no uncured written lease violations. The problem must hurt habitability, sanitation or security and violate a local housing or building code, and cost less than $300 or half a month's rent, whichever is greater (never more than one month's rent). Give written notice; if the landlord does not fix it within 14 days (or sooner in an emergency), you may have it done and deduct the cost after giving an itemized statement with receipts. If the landlord disputes the repair in writing, you need a written certification from the city that it is a code violation first. Limit: one month's rent per 12 months (RSMo 441.234).

Can I withhold rent for repairs in Missouri?

not allowed; withholding rent can get you evicted. Only the repair-and-deduct remedy above.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in Missouri?

no statute; check your lease.

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in Missouri?

No statewide statute protecting tenants from retaliation.

More for Missouri renters

Repairs in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.