Missouri Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement (this "Agreement") is made on [[Lease Agreement Date]] by and between [[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]] ("Landlord") and [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant"). Landlord and Tenant agree as follows.

1. Premises

Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at [[Property Full Address]], [[City]], Missouri [[ZIP Code]] (the "Premises"), together with any assigned parking, storage, and furnishings listed: [[Parking / Storage / Furnishings Included or "None additional"]].

The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence by Tenant and the permitted occupants listed in Section 8.

2. Term

The initial term of this Agreement is [[Lease Term Length, e.g. 12 months]], beginning [[Lease Start Date]] and ending [[Lease End Date]], unless sooner terminated or extended as provided herein.

If the tenancy continues after the end of the term without a new written agreement, it shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy on the same terms, terminable by either party upon one (1) full month's written notice specifying the termination date as a periodic rent-paying date (RSMo § 441.060).

3. Rent

Tenant shall pay monthly rent of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]] ("Rent"), due in advance on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g. 1st]] day of each month, payable to [[Landlord or Agent Name]] at [[Payment Address or Portal]] by [[Accepted Methods, e.g. check, money order, electronic]].

The first month's Rent is due upon execution of this Agreement. Prorated Rent for a partial first month shall be paid at signing.

4. Late Charges and Returned Payments

Rent is late if not received by the due date. Tenant shall pay a late charge of $[[Late Fee Amount or "as permitted by law"]] if Rent is not paid within any grace period stated in the lease or required by law. Returned payment fee: $[[NSF Fee Amount]].

5. Security Deposit (RSMo § 535.300)

Upon execution, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] (not to exceed two (2) months' Rent).

The deposit secures Tenant's performance. Landlord shall hold the deposit in a federally insured depository institution. Any interest earned belongs to Landlord.

Within thirty (30) days after termination of the tenancy, Landlord shall:

1. Return the full deposit to Tenant; or

2. Furnish a written itemized list of damages for which any portion is withheld, together with payment of any balance.

Deductions are limited to: (a) unpaid Rent; (b) damage beyond ordinary wear and tear; (c) costs to restore to move-in condition (ordinary wear excepted), subject to any lease terms for carpet cleaning with notice.

Landlord shall provide reasonable notice of the move-out inspection date and time; Tenant has the right to be present.

If Landlord wrongfully withholds any portion, Tenant may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

Pet deposits, if any, are separate and not subject to the security deposit cap or return rules.

6. Utilities and Services

Tenant shall be responsible for and pay promptly: [[Tenant-Paid Utilities List, e.g. electric, gas, water, trash, internet]].

Landlord shall be responsible for: [[Landlord-Paid Utilities or "None"]].

Tenant shall not allow utilities to be disconnected and shall place accounts in Tenant's name as of the start date.

7. Occupants and Guests

The Premises shall be occupied only by Tenant and: [[Additional Permitted Occupants Names or "No additional"]].

Guests staying more than [[Guest Limit, e.g. 14 consecutive days or 30 total in a year]] require Landlord's prior written consent.

8. Use of Premises; Quiet Enjoyment

Tenant shall use the Premises lawfully for residential purposes only, shall not create a nuisance, and shall comply with all laws, ordinances, and any HOA rules provided to Tenant. Tenant shall not conduct any illegal activity or business from the Premises.

Landlord covenants that Tenant shall have quiet enjoyment of the Premises.

9. Pets

Pets: [[Pet Policy, e.g. "No pets without prior written consent. One dog or cat permitted with $[[Pet Rent or Deposit]] non-refundable fee." / "No pets permitted."]]

Assistance animals required by law are permitted with proper documentation.

Tenant is liable for all damage caused by any animal.

10. Smoking

Smoking policy: [[Smoking Policy, e.g. "No smoking of any kind inside the Premises or within 25 feet of entrances."]]

11. Maintenance, Landlord

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition, comply with applicable building and housing codes, and keep in good working order the structural components, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and supplied appliances. Landlord shall make repairs within a reasonable time after written notice from Tenant.

12. Maintenance, Tenant

Tenant shall keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and safe; properly use all systems and appliances; replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, and batteries in detectors; promptly notify Landlord of needed repairs; and not damage the Premises beyond ordinary wear and tear.

Tenant shall be responsible for damage caused by Tenant's misuse or neglect or that of occupants or guests.

13. Repair and Deduct (RSMo § 441.234)

If a condition affecting habitability, sanitation, or security exists that violates housing or building code, and after proper written notice to Landlord and Landlord's failure to repair within fourteen (14) days, Tenant who has resided in the Premises and been current on rent for the preceding six (6) consecutive months may cause repairs to be made in a workmanlike manner. The cost Tenant may deduct is limited to the lesser of $300 or one-half of one month's Rent (or as otherwise permitted by the statute and local code enforcement). Tenant must provide itemized receipts. Landlord may dispute necessity in writing.

This remedy is not available if the condition was caused by Tenant.

14. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter the Premises at reasonable times with reasonable notice (commonly 24 hours except in emergencies) to inspect, make repairs, supply services, or show the Premises to prospective tenants, buyers, or lenders. In case of emergency, entry may be without notice.

15. Assignment and Subletting

Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet the Premises without Landlord's prior written consent.

16. Default and Remedies

Tenant is in default if Tenant fails to pay Rent when due, violates any term of this Agreement, or abandons the Premises.

Upon default, Landlord may give notice as required by law (including under RSMo Chapters 441 and 535), terminate this Agreement, recover possession through court process (unlawful detainer or rent-and-possession), and recover unpaid Rent, damages, and costs. Self-help evictions (lock changes, utility shutoffs, removal of property) are prohibited.

Landlord shall mitigate damages upon termination.

17. Holdover

If Tenant remains after the term without consent, Tenant shall pay holdover rent of $[[Holdover Daily or Monthly Rate]] per day or such higher amount as permitted, and Landlord may pursue eviction.

18. Surrender

Upon termination, Tenant shall remove all personal property, return all keys and access devices, leave the Premises clean and in move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and provide a written forwarding address.

19. Notices

Notices to Tenant may be delivered to the Premises or last known address. Notices to Landlord shall be sent to [[Landlord Notice Address]].

To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, the terminating party must give one (1) full month's written notice ending on a periodic rent-paying date.

20. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978)

If built before 1978, the federal lead disclosure addendum and EPA pamphlet are attached or provided separately.

21. Other Disclosures

Landlord provides the following required or standard information:

• Name and address of the owner or authorized manager for service of process and notices: [[Manager or Owner Contact Information]]

• Any known bedbug history or infestation (if applicable under local rules): [[Details or "None known"]]

22. Renter's Insurance

Tenant is strongly encouraged (and may be required) to maintain renter's insurance with liability coverage of at least $[[Minimum Liability Amount]]. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property.

23. Liability and Indemnity

Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence, Tenant assumes all risk of loss or injury arising from Tenant's use of the Premises and shall indemnify Landlord against related claims.

24. Waiver; Severability; Governing Law

No waiver of any breach is a waiver of others. If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains in effect. This Agreement is governed by Missouri law. Venue is in the county where the Premises is located.

25. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including any addenda and exhibits, is the entire agreement. It may be modified only in writing signed by both Parties. Electronic signatures are accepted.

26. Signatures

LANDLORD

______________________________________________ Date: ___________
[[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]]

TENANT

______________________________________________ Date: ___________
[[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]

ADDITIONAL TENANT

______________________________________________ Date: ___________, -

*Missouri Residential Lease Agreement template, not legal advice. Provisions reflect RSMo Chapter 441 (Landlord-Tenant), § 535.300 (security deposits: 2-month cap, 30-day return or itemized statement, double damages for wrongful withholding), § 441.060 (1-month MTM termination notice), § 441.234 (repair-and-deduct limits), and implied warranty of habitability per case law. No statewide rent control. All user inputs use [[Token Name]] placeholders. Verify with current statutes and local ordinances. Consult licensed counsel. Current as of 2026-06.*