Missouri Rent withholding / escrow

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Missouri?

Missouri gives tenants two receivership procedures, not a general right to withhold rent. If the owner of a master-metered building fails to pay for heat-related utilities, the utility or any tenant can petition the court for a receiver (441.650). If a building is a nuisance, the court can appoint a receiver and order rents paid to the receiver, and paying under that order is a defense to eviction for nonpayment (441.570, 441.580). Under 441.510, only a county, city, local housing corporation or neighborhood association can apply for the nuisance receiver.

Verified Source: RSMo §§ 441.650, 441.510, 441.570, 441.580 · last checked 2026-10-23