Missouri Rental Application Overview
Missouri is landlord-friendly at the state level. Kansas City and St. Louis provide additional tenant protections beyond state requirements.
Missouri does not cap rental application fees. Landlords can charge reasonable fees. Most landlords charge between $25 and $65.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
3x monthly rent (typ
Income requirement
Missouri Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Missouri does not cap rental application fees. Landlords can charge reasonable fees. Most landlords charge between $25 and $65.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Missouri has no statewide ban-the-box law for housing. Kansas City has enacted local protections restricting criminal history in housing screening.
Credit Check Requirements
Missouri landlords can run credit checks with written consent per the FCRA. No additional state restrictions.
Fair Housing Protections
Missouri's Human Rights Act mirrors the federal Fair Housing Act. Kansas City and St. Louis add local protections for sexual orientation and, in some cases, source of income.
Missouri Screening Criteria
Missouri landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Missouri state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Missouri landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical) is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Missouri's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Missouri Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Missouri rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Missouri-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Missouri data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Missouri landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Missouri landlords require income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical).
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Missouri does not cap application fees.
Missouri Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Missouri. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $25-$65 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Missouri Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Missouri-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Missouri law.
STATE OF MISSOURI
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Missouri Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Missouri state law...
Missouri Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Missouri.
Official Missouri Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Missouri tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Missouri Commission on Human Rights
Fair housing complaints and enforcement
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Free legal help for Missouri tenants
HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
Federal fair housing laws, complaints, and guidance
FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal credit reporting rights for tenants
Other Missouri Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Missouri? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
Create your Missouri Rental Application in under 5 minutes.
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