Missouri · Tenant screening

Can my city limit tenant screening in Missouri?

No. Cities and counties can't restrict what landlords check.

Why, and the exact law
From Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.043, read Oct 6, 2026.
Show the law

“Restricts a landlord's ability to use or consider income-qualifying methods, credit scores, credit reports, eviction or property damage history, or criminal history, according to such landlord's own customarily applied criteria …”

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.043 · revisor.mo.gov

Applying? See all the limits

Who can help

  1. Get free legal helpIf your landlord won't fix it.Missouri Legal Services
Every rule here, word for word (1)

This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.

Missouri lawIn force

Missouri bar on local source-of-income and tenant-screening restrictions

Can my city limit tenant screening?

No. Cities and counties can't restrict what landlords check.

That covers income rules, credit, eviction and criminal history, and housing assistance. Local rules may still protect veterans' benefits.

Who it covers

  • Exemptions: Local ordinances prohibiting discrimination solely based on recipient of veterans' benefits are allowed.
In force since
Aug 28, 2025
The law, word for word

“Restricts a landlord's ability to use or consider income-qualifying methods, credit scores, credit reports, eviction or property damage history, or criminal history, according to such landlord's own customarily applied criteria …”

Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.043 · revisor.mo.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026

More about Missouri

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Information about the law, not legal advice.