How to Write a Landlord's Lease Agreement in Missouri for Free

Landlord lease agreements are important in Missouri.

Rental leases are legal documents. They are used to protect both tenant and landlord. You will need to create a lease if you are renting an apartment or house to a tenant. You also may want a lease if you have a roommate or are renting a room. In Missouri, there are some basic things that should be included in a rental lease agreement. There are sample leases that you can find on the Internet and use in Missouri. You also can draft a lease yourself using the following guidelines.

Instructions

1. Review sample leases online. There are sites such as Mr. Landlord or LawSmart that will provide sample leases for Missouri.

2. Write the landlord's name and address on the lease for the rental property in Missouri. There should be additional contact information if needed. The address of the rental property in Missouri also needs to be included on the document.

3. Ensure that the financial provisions are written out clearly. Put the amount of monthly rent and due date in the rental agreement. Include any grace period or late fees. State the amount of the security deposit and the conditions for the tenant to get the deposit back. If you are going to inspect the property before returning the security deposit, write that in the lease.

4. Include the length of the lease in the contract. Most leases in Missouri are for a year. Add what happens if the tenant decides to break the lease early. It is better to add more detail in your rental agreement than not enough.

5. Add any additional information that is relevant. This may include a pet policy, utilities, landscaping, or other important factors not addressed. In Missouri, landlords can charge double the rent if a tenant lets someone else take over the property without approval. Missouri law states that only two people can occupy a bedroom. These stipulations may be included in the lease.

6. Review the lease with the tenant. Make sure the tenant understands all aspects of the lease and encourage him or her to ask any questions before signing. All tenants and the landlord should sign and date the lease. Make copies for all parties and keep a copy for your record.

References

• Missouri Attorney General: Missouri's Landlord-Tenant Law
• Apartments: Items to Include in a Rental Lease
• Forbes: Ten Things to Include in Your Lease Agreement

Resources

• Mr. Landlord: Lease
• Law Smart Lease