Two ways to rent in Missouri
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Missouri? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Missouri residential tenancies are governed mainly by RSMo Chapter 535, with the security-deposit rules in Section 535.300.
Missourilease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Missouri caps a residential security deposit at two months' rent under RSMo 535.300. The landlord must return the deposit, minus any deductions, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, along with a written itemized list of any amounts withheld. Wrongfully withholding the deposit can make the landlord liable for up to twice the amount withheld.
Late fees
Missouri has no statute capping late fees and no mandatory grace period, so a late fee must simply be reasonable and stated in the lease. Spell out the fee amount and when it applies so both sides know the terms up front.
Landlord entry & notice
Missouri has no statute setting how much notice a landlord must give before entering, so the lease controls. Spelling out a notice window — 24 hours is standard — protects both the landlord and the tenant.
Required disclosures
Include the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978. Missouri also requires a landlord to disclose if the property was previously used to manufacture methamphetamine and any known hazardous conditions. Identifying the owner or manager and how to reach them is good practice.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended by either party with at least one month's (30 days') written notice ending on a rent-paying date under RSMo 441.060.
Does it need notarizing?
No. A Missouri residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under Missouri law (RSMo Chapter 535 and Section 441.060).
How to write a Missouri lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late or NSF fees.
- 4
Set the security deposit (up to two months' rent) and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes; meth-manufacture history if known) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Missouri lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Missouri lease agreement FAQ
Does a Missouri residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Missouri doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri caps a residential security deposit at two months' rent under RSMo 535.300. One month's rent is a common amount, but you can't require more than two.
How long does a Missouri landlord have to return the deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the deposit minus any deductions and provide a written itemized list of what was withheld. Wrongfully withholding it can expose the landlord to up to twice the amount kept.
How much can a late fee be in Missouri?
Missouri sets no statutory cap on late fees and no required grace period, so the fee just has to be reasonable and written into the lease. State the amount and when it applies clearly.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Missouri?
At least one month — 30 days' written notice from either the landlord or the tenant, ending on a rent-paying date, under RSMo 441.060.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Missouri has no statute setting a notice period, so the lease governs. Including a 24-hour notice clause is standard practice and protects both sides.
What must a Missouri lease disclose?
The federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes, plus any history of methamphetamine manufacture on the property and known hazardous conditions. Identifying the owner or manager and how to reach them is good practice.
Is this Missouri lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.