March 25, 2025
Missouri law, including specific ordinances in Kansas City, provides important housing protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking. As a landlord, it’s essential to understand what you can and cannot do in these situations to ensure compliance with state law and local ordinances—and to avoid potential legal liability.
This blog post outlines the key protections under Missouri Revised Statutes § 441.920 and Kansas City Ordinance No. 180516, so Missouri landlords—especially those with properties in Kansas City and Jackson County—know exactly where they stand.
Statewide: Missouri Law – RSMo § 441.920
Missouri law prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants solely because they are victims (or are in imminent danger of becoming victims) of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in RSMo § 455.010.
What You Cannot Do:
- Deny tenancy based solely on a person’s status as a victim.
- Evict a tenant or declare them in violation of a lease solely because they are a victim.
- Refuse to release a tenant from future rent liability if the tenant provides the required documentation and vacates due to safety concerns.
What You Can Do:
- Request documentation to confirm the tenant’s protected status. Acceptable documentation includes:
- A signed statement from a healthcare, mental health, or victim service provider made under penalty of perjury.
- A police report or court order related to the incident.
- Charge a reasonable termination fee, such as one month’s rent, if a tenant ends the lease early under this statute.
Important Exceptions:
You may deny protections if:
- The victim allowed the perpetrator access to the property; or
- You reasonably believe the alleged perpetrator poses a threat to others or the property.
Kansas City (Jackson County) Ordinance – No. 180516
For landlords in Kansas City, local ordinance Sec. 50-109 expands on the protections provided under state law and includes specific rights to terminate a lease.
Tenant Rights in Kansas City:
- A tenant or their dependent who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may:
- Terminate the lease without penalty
- Avoid liability for future rent
- Recover their full security deposit (minus lawful deductions)
- Documentation must include either:
- An ex parte or full order of protection, or
- A statement signed by a medical provider confirming the abuse.
What Landlords Must Avoid:
- Retaliatory actions such as increasing rent, reducing services, or threatening eviction based on a tenant’s protected status.
- Interfering with a tenant’s lawful right to terminate the lease due to abuse.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Landlords who violate these state or local provisions may be subject to:
- Fines or criminal liability under local ordinances
- Civil claims for wrongful eviction or discrimination
- Loss of legal remedies in rent or possession actions if a tenant successfully raises an affirmative defense under RSMo § 441.920
Practical Tips for Landlords
- Always document communications with tenants regarding claims of abuse.
- Respond promptly and neutrally to any tenant request involving abuse-related issues.
- Update your lease agreements and internal operations to comply with Missouri law and Kansas City ordinance.
- Consult with legal counsel before taking action that could be construed as retaliatory or discriminatory.
Need guidance?
If you’re a Missouri landlord unsure how to handle a situation involving a tenant who claims to be a victim of abuse, our legal team is here to help. We can review your lease agreements, advise you on termination protocols, and ensure you’re protected while remaining compliant with the law.
Contact us at julie@mokslaw.com or 913-262-2207 for guidance tailored to Missouri and Jackson County, Missouri landlords.