Potential eviction law reform coming to Missouri

*NOTE – This article was originally written in May of 2007 for the newsletter.

In the landlord world, eviction is a four-letter word. The process is so despised because current Missouri eviction law clearly favors the tenant. Even the deadbeat ones. There are so many problems with current laws that finding
a starting point for reform has been a little tricky. Despite this hurdle, the wheels are finally in motion heading in the direction of change.

Over the last few years, one of the biggest issues landlords have faced is what to do with a tenant’s personal belongings during an eviction. Current laws are unclear about this situation and that has worried many a landlord. That’s where the new Landlord-Tenant Liability law comes into play.

The bill (HB 504), as summarized on the Missouri House of Representatives website, “exempts landlords from liability for any damage to personal property resulting from the enforcement of a judgment granting possession of the property.Landlords are given the absolute right to dispose of the personal property in any manner they consider reasonable.”

This bill has just made it out of committee in the State House. It passed unanimously, but a greater battle still looms ahead. The bill still needs to pass the muster of the entire body of the State House and Senate. No date has been set for further debate, but the House website lists the “proposed effective date” for the bill as 08/28/2007. This would indicate that movement on the subject can be expected in the near future.

This bill would do a lot to even the playing field between landlords and tenants in St. Louis and the entire state of Missouri. Ensuring it’s passage should be a high priority on any investor’s checklist. You can help improve the bill’s chances by contacting your State Senator and Congressman and voicing your support. There are various interest groups pushing to kill the bill or add crippling amendments and your letters can make a big impact.

Lookup your representatives here:
www.senate.mo.gov/llokup/leg_lookup.aspx

For more information on the bill or to checkup on its status visit:
www.house.mop.gov/bills071/bills/hb504.htm

*UPDATE – This bill ended up failing to pass during the last session. Not do to lack of support, but due to lack of time. It has been picked up again for the current session and already has traction. So its still vital that everyone throw their support behind this one. Check back soon for and update on the status and more information.