The proposed bill, known as the "Missouri Housing Predictability and Transparency Act," aims to regulate residential lease renewals by establishing limits on rent increases. Starting January 1, 2027, landlords will be prohibited from raising rent by more than seven percent plus the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers, or ten percent, whichever is lower, within any twelve-month period. Additionally, landlords must provide tenants with written notice of any rent increase at least ninety days prior to its effective date, detailing the current and proposed rent amounts, the percentage increase, and the tenant's right to request supporting documentation. The bill also includes provisions to protect tenants from retaliation for asserting their rights under this section and allows tenants to take civil action against landlords who violate these regulations. If a court finds that a landlord has willfully imposed an unlawful rent increase, the tenant may be entitled to actual damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and a civil penalty up to three times the unlawful increase. Certain exemptions apply, including newly constructed units within the first fifteen years of occupancy, units undergoing substantial rehabilitation, and cases involving tenants who are delinquent on rent at the time of renewal. The attorney general is granted the authority to enforce these provisions and seek civil penalties for violations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5860H.01): 441.305