SB 1741 modifies current rental protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence. It changes specific provisions of existing housing laws to better support these renters, though the abstract does not detail the exact changes. The bill directly affects individuals facing domestic violence who rely on rental housing and may face eviction or housing instability. Currently in its first reading stage (as of February 25, 2026), no further legislative actions have occurred.
HB 2996, the "Missouri Housing Predictability and Transparency Act," would limit rent increases for tenants renewing residential leases after January 1, 2027. Landlords could raise rent by no more than 7% plus the U.S. inflation rate (CPI) or 10% - whichever is lower - within a year, and must provide tenants 90 days' written notice detailing the new rent, percentage change, and the tenant's right to request proof. The bill excludes new construction (first 15 years), major renovations (25%+ investment), subsidized nonprofit housing, and tenants behind on rent. Tenants could sue for violations, seeking damages, legal fees, and penalties up to three times the illegal rent increase.
HB 3047 prevents landlords from evicting veteran tenants unless illegal activity occurs on the property. It defines a "veteran" as someone with an honorable military discharge after six months of active duty (or six years in reserves/National Guard), or who served in a campaign with a medal. Landlords cannot evict these tenants for standard lease violations like nonpayment of rent. The law would require eviction cases to prove illegal conduct as the sole justification, changing current eviction rules for this group.
HB 2917 creates a "Senior Tenant Bill of Rights" for renters aged 60 or older. It requires landlords to provide written leases before move-in, give 30-day renewal notices, maintain safe housing, disclose all fees upfront, and follow clear rent increase guidelines. Seniors can report violations to adult protective services, which will assist with complaints and connect them to legal aid resources. The bill directly affects landlords renting to seniors and aims to standardize tenant protections for this age group.
HB 3016 establishes new rules for landlord-tenant relationships in most rental properties. It sets a two-person-per-bedroom occupancy limit (with exceptions for children), requires written leases for all rentals, and mandates one month's written notice for terminating month-to-month agreements. The bill specifically prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report housing code violations, join tenant groups, or complain about unsafe conditions, and adds 60-day notice requirements for mobile home lot lease terminations. These changes directly affect renters, landlords, and housing courts across the state.
HB 2771 extends federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protections to Missouri National Guard members and eligible Missouri employees called to active state duty by their state's governor or adjutant general. It applies to Missouri National Guard members or Missouri-based employees serving in another state's National Guard for more than 30 consecutive days. The bill guarantees these individuals the same reemployment rights and civil protections (like mortgage/rent relief) under federal SCRA law, and authorizes the attorney general to enforce these rights or pursue legal action against violating employers. This ensures state-activated service members face no employment or financial penalties upon returning to civilian life.
HB 2856 caps rental application fees at $15 per prospective tenant and requires landlords to use these fees only to cover actual processing costs. Landlords must refund any unused portion of the fee within 20 days and provide a receipt (electronic or paper) upon payment. This bill directly affects prospective renters applying for housing by limiting upfront costs and ensuring transparency. It does not apply to security deposits or rent paid before tenancy begins.
HB 2090 requires most Missouri landlords to offer tenants the voluntary option to have their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus. Landlords must provide a written election form detailing the option, fees (capped at $10/month or actual cost), and the right to opt out for six months. The law applies to most residential landlords but excludes single-property owners of buildings with 15 or fewer units. Tenants must pay any required fee separately from rent, and failure to pay may temporarily halt reporting for six months. The requirement begins for new leases on or after February 1, 2027.
HB 1954 requires Missouri landlords to fix health- and safety-threatening conditions in rental properties within 30 days of a tenant’s written notice. It directly affects tenants facing hazards like pest infestations (defined broadly to include bedbugs, rodents, and spiders), hazardous mold, sewage backups, or unsafe structural issues, and landlords who fail to act. Landlords must cover tenant health costs resulting from their failure to remediate, and must have repairs verified by a licensed inspector after fixing the problem. The bill adds these specific protections to Missouri’s landlord-tenant law (RSMo § 441.237).
HB 2491 revises Missouri's rules for senior rental housing subsidies by replacing outdated definitions and creating new income-based categories. It directly affects senior housing projects (buildings with 4+ units built/rehabbed under federal programs and restricted to seniors) and their tenants, particularly those classified as "low income," "moderate income," or "middle income senior" based on HUD income thresholds. Key provisions define terms like "affordable rent" (capped at 30% of tenant income) and require subsidies to "expand affordability" for low-income seniors. The bill updates how the Missouri Housing Development Commission administers these subsidies, ensuring they align with federal housing standards.
