Tenants have certain responsibilities under Missouri Law:
- To exercise reasonable care and not damage the property.
- To dispose of all refuse in a sanitary manner.
- To refrain from unreasonable use of electrical, heating and plumbing fixtures.
- To fulfill their obligations under local housing codes.
- To pay rent when due.
- To refrain from taking in additional occupants or from subleasing or turning over the property to others without the landlord’s written permission. (§432.060, §441.030 -§441.040)

An important court case on repairs and property habitability states that tenants must tell the landlord when repairs are necessary and give the landlord a reasonable time to correct the problems. (King v Moorehead, 495 S.W. 2nd, 65, 1073)

The BOCA National Property Maintenance Code requires tenants to keep dwelling units clean and dispose of all rubbish in an approved, sanitary manner (PM-305. 1 and PM-306.2).
 

YOUR PRIVACY

A tenant is entitled to the same privacy as a home owner. Many leases reduce tenant privacy. If your landlord continuously enters without your permission, it can be forcible entry. (§534.020) Tell your landlord that you object to the invasion of your privacy. If the landlord persists, you might consider the following:

- Change the lock on your door.
- Put a chain, bolt or another lock on the door. If the landlord objects, insist it is for your protection.
- Tell the landlord you will call the police.
- Tell the landlord you will sue for breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment (your right to be left alone).

Continuous interference with your privacy could be grounds for constructive eviction (see “Termination”).

REPAIRS, ETC.

You might want to build shelves, hang pictures or make other improvements in your place. Before you do, check your lease. Many leases require the landlord’s permission before such alterations are made. In any case, to be safe, get written permission before making any alterations.

If you see the need for any repairs, let the landlord know immediately. Not informing the landlord could result in deductions from your deposit when your lease terminates. Add the landlord’s office and home phone numbers to the phone list in the front of this book. Keep a record of important conversations with the landlord.

If you find health, fire or safety hazards and the landlord won’t correct them, call the appropriate agency, such as the city! county health department, city public works department or your utility company.

Pay your rent by check. If you should happen to lose the cancelled check, you can go to the bank and get a copy. If the landlord refuses to take a check and/or give a receipt, beware!

You may want rental insurance to cover yourself and your property against calamity, or liability suits for damages or injuries someone suffered because of your negligence. Renter’s insurance is only about $100 per year, and well worth it since landlords are not responsible for damages to your personal property if damages occur due to break in, water leaks, sewage backup, etc. Check to see if you are covered by your parent’s insurance or some insurance of your own.

If you have inconsiderate neighbors who prevent you from sleeping or otherwise quietly enjoying your home, talk to them. If that doesn’t work, tell your landlord about the problem. (This applies only if the offending parties have the same landlord as you.) He/she must make it possible for you to enjoy your place. If he/she fails to do this, it may be possible for you to move out under constructive eviction. (See the section on termination.)