Missouri law protecting victims of domestic and sexual violence

A new Missouri law enacted in 2019 protects applicants and tenants from being denied tenancy, being evicted from rental property, or being found in violation of a lease agreement, on the basis of the applicant or tenant being a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

If the tenant vacates the property prior to the termination of the lease and the landlord sues the tenant to recover rent payments, the tenant is not liable for making such payments if the tenant provides the court with evidence that he/she was a victim of stalking, domestic violence, or sexual assault.

The tenant must provide the landlord with a statement expressing that he or she is a victim of, or in danger of becoming a victim of, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.  The landlord may request proof, which can be provided in various forms such as a police report, a protection order, or a signed statement from a victim service provider.