Missouri Statewide Rule

Missouri Rent Control Local Preemption Statewide

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Missouri (2026)

Missouri statute prohibits any county or city from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate the amount of rent charged for privately owned residential or commercial rental property.

Key Facts

Statute: RSMo 441.043
Local rent caps: Prohibited statewide
Applies to: Residential and commercial
Exception: CDBG-funded properties

Source: Missouri Revisor of Statutes

Full Breakdown

Section 441.043 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri preempts every county, city, town, or village, including charter cities like Kansas City and St. Louis, from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that controls the amount of rent for privately owned single-family, multi-unit residential, or commercial rental property. The preemption applies statewide. Narrow exceptions allow voluntary rent agreements with private owners on subsidized rental properties and rent restrictions on units assisted with community development block grant funds. Otherwise, landlords may set and adjust rents based on market conditions subject only to lease terms and federal fair housing requirements.

Violations & Penalties

Any local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance is void and unenforceable as a matter of state preemption law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can St. Louis or Kansas City pass rent control?

No. RSMo 441.043 preempts any city, charter city, or county rent control measure. Local governments cannot cap private rents regardless of housing market or affordability conditions.

Are there statutory limits on rent increases in Missouri?

No. Missouri imposes no percentage cap on rent increases. Landlords may raise rent at lease renewal or at the end of any month-to-month period with proper written notice under RSMo 441.060.

Sources

Missouri RSMo 441.043

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Can St. Louis or Kansas City pass rent control?

No. RSMo 441.043 preempts any city, charter city, or county rent control measure. Local governments cannot cap private rents regardless of housing market or affordability conditions.

Are there statutory limits on rent increases in Missouri?

No. Missouri imposes no percentage cap on rent increases. Landlords may raise rent at lease renewal or at the end of any month-to-month period with proper written notice under RSMo 441.060.