Rental Property Rules in St. Louis, MO: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in St. Louis or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. St. Louis has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Repairs & Habitability
St. Louis landlords must supply heat maintaining at least 68°F in every habitable room, bathroom, and toilet room from October 1 through April 30.
Key details: Minimum temperature: 68°F. Heating season: Oct 1 – Apr 30. First-offense fine: $100. Cold-weather-warning fine: $250. Enforced by: Building Division.
$100 administrative citation for a first insufficient-heat/no-heat violation, rising to $250 during a cold-weather warning; repeat violations at the same property within 12 months carry a $500 fine (§ 11.95.130).
Rental Registration
St. Louis requires every rental dwelling unit to be registered with the city in a public database before a certificate of inspection can be issued, and renting without registration is unlawful.
Key details: Registration required: at every certificate-of-inspection application. Non-resident owner rule: must designate agent within 100 miles. Enforcement: no certificate issued for unregistered unit. Penalty: up to $500 fine or 90 days jail. Effective: Ord. No. 72025, effective July 11, 2025.
Renting an unregistered unit is unlawful; the Building Division withholds certificates of inspection until registration is complete, and Chapter 25.56 violations carry up to a $500 fine or 90 days' imprisonment per day.
This is one of the stricter rules in St. Louis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Rent Control
Rent control is prohibited in Missouri. Under RSMo 441.043, political subdivisions including St. Louis cannot enact ordinances controlling rent on private residential property. Market-rate rent increases are legal regardless of amount.
Key details: State Preemption: RSMo 441.043. Local Rent Control: Prohibited. Rent Increases: Any amount legal. Notice: 30 days month-to-month. Federal Programs: Section 8 and LIHTC exempted.
No city enforcement against rent increases. Tenants experiencing improper notice or habitability violations can pursue remedies through housing court.
St. Louis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rent control. That said, there are still limits.
The Bottom Line
St. Louis's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming St. Louis is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from St. Louis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.