Missouri landlord repair timeline
How long does a landlord in Missouri have to repair?
The clock most states set starts at the tenant’s written notice. Here is what the statute says, with the official source. It is general information, not legal advice.
- What it sets
- For eligible tenants, repair and deduct up to $300 or half a month’s rent, whichever is greater, 14 days after notice
- Statute
- RSMo 441.234
- Official source
- Missouri Revised Statutes 441.234
Not an emergency service. For a fire, a gas leak or anyone in danger, call 911 or the gas utility.
What Missouri law says, line by line
Each line restates the text it cites. Check the current version before you rely on it.
Only a tenant who has lived there six consecutive months, paid all rent and had no uncured written lease violation may use it.
RSMo 441.234(1)The condition must violate a local housing or building code and cost less than $300 or half the rent, whichever is greater, and no more than one month’s rent.
RSMo 441.234(2)The landlord has 14 days after written notice, or less in an emergency, and the tenant deducts only with an itemized statement and receipts.
RSMo 441.234(2)If the landlord disputes the repair in writing within the notice period, the tenant needs written certification of the code violation from the local government before repairing.
RSMo 441.234(2)Total deductions can’t exceed one month’s rent in any 12 months.
RSMo 441.234(3)
Checked October 21, 2026
Turn the statute into your own response times
City rules and your leases can be stricter than the state. Write your times as the strictest of the three.
- Count from when the tenant told you, because many deadlines start at notice
- Put heat, water, power and anything dangerous at the top, day or night
- Ask for notice in writing, and reply in writing, so the record exists if anyone asks
- Record every step with a time: the first reply, the booking, the visit and the confirmation
A question managers ask about Missouri
Yes. A written statement disputing the repair, sent within the notice period, means the tenant needs the local government’s written certification of a code violation before the work is done.
Managing in another state? Pick it hereThe same leak can have a different clock across a state line.
The clock starts at the tenant’s notice Ours answers at any hour