Missouri Rent Late Fee Calculator
Calculate rent late fees and verify compliance with Missouri state regulations. Free instant calculator with legal compliance verification.
Missouri does not impose a statutory cap on rent late fees, relying instead on a reasonableness standard. Landlords must ensure that any late fee provisions are explicitly stated in a written lease agreement. This gives landlords flexibility while providing tenants with clear expectations regarding potential penalties for late rent payments.(Missouri Revised Statutes § 535)
Covers general provisions related to landlord-tenant laws.
Related Statutes
In Missouri, the reasonableness standard for late fees means that the charge must be proportionate to the inconvenience and costs incurred by the landlord due to late payment. There is no fixed percentage or amount, allowing flexibility but also requiring careful consideration to avoid disputes.
Key Factors:
- The actual cost incurred by the landlord due to the late payment.
- The frequency of late payments by the tenant.
- Any history of disputes regarding late fees.
Kansas City
Kansas City does not have additional regulations on late fees beyond state law, but landlords must ensure compliance with general housing codes.
Learn moreSt. Louis
St. Louis follows state guidelines with no additional municipal caps on late fees. Landlords are encouraged to maintain transparency in lease agreements.
Learn moreRevised Tenant Rights Regulations
Recent amendments emphasize tenant rights and clarify the process for disputing unreasonable late fees, enhancing protections while reinforcing the need for clear lease terms.
Kansas
Kansas imposes a cap of 5% of the monthly rent.
Illinois
Illinois allows a maximum late fee of $20 or 20% of the rent, whichever is greater.
Arkansas
Arkansas does not specify a cap but requires fees to be reasonable.
Iowa
Iowa limits late fees to $12 per day or $60 per month, whichever is less.
Landlord Best Practices:
- •Clearly outline late fee provisions in the lease agreement with examples.
- •Document costs associated with late payments to justify fees.
- •Communicate promptly with tenants about late payments to prevent misunderstandings.
Tenant Best Practices:
- •Review lease agreements carefully to understand late fee terms.
- •Request clarification on any ambiguous fee language before signing.
- •Maintain open communication with landlords to address potential late payments proactively.
Missouri Attorney General's Office
Provides legal resources and guidance for tenants and landlords in Missouri.
Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law Handbook
Comprehensive guide to understanding landlord-tenant laws in Missouri.
Legal Services of Missouri
Offers legal assistance and resources for low-income residents in Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions - Missouri
No statutory limit. Reasonableness standard applies. Must be in written lease agreement.
View Official State Law →Updated October 2025