My daughter lives in a college town in Missouri and rents an apartment with 3 other girls, their landlord or maintenance man has entered their apartment more than once without notice. One girl was even in the shower when he entered. A newsletter they received stated that this man can enter whenever he feels he needs to without notice. This seems to be very dangerous. I've search Missouri law and can not find out is this is legal. Help

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My daughter lives in a college town in missouri and rents an apartment with 3 other girls, their landlord or maintenance man has entered their apartment more than once without notice. One girl was even in the shower when he entered. A newsletter they received stated that this man can enter whenever he feels he needs to without notice. This seems to be very dangerous. I've search missouri law and can not find out is this is legal. Help

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I'm shocked but here's the Law:

"For those who enjoy legal reading, the Missouri statute that governs the rental agreement between landlord and tenant can be found at www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/chapters/chap441.htm

Basic Rights and Expectations:
The landlord can typically enter the premises of the renter without the renter's permission. "

Normally yes, their written rental agreement should state some exact terms. They should knock and annouce theirself, a chain lock on door will stop anyone from walking in with someone home.

Normally yes, thier written rental agreement should state some exact terms. They should knock and annouce theirself, a chain lock on door will stop anyone from walking in with someone home.


The written lease CAN restrict the landlord's access but without that express clause the landlord (or his representative) can pretty much wander in and out without notice.

Like you, I'm shocked and surprised!

You might want to try this - it's the short explanation, not the entire law.

Finding a Home (http://www.internationals-stl.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=37838&PID=428106)

There was an attempt to change the law in 1995 but from what I can read, it did not pass. The "handbook for student tenants" also refers to the landlord gaining access for "inspections," without notice.

First, may I call your attention to the guidelines for using the comments feature found here:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/feedback/using-comments-feature-24951.html

Your rating of chuck's response was not appropriate. According to the info Judy posted, the rental agreement can supercede the state law. And whether doors have chain locks or not is not a grounds for disagreement. If you don't have a chain lock on then put one on! They are inexpensive and will prevent embarrassment.