Attorney General's News Release

March 4, 1998

Newly revised landlord-tenant guide available to Missourians

St. Louis, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon's office will offer a revamped consumer guide outlining the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants during the Working Women's Survival Show March 6-8 at the America's Center in St. Louis.

The booklet includes extensive changes made last year to Missouri's landlord-tenant law. The booklet includes information on the general obligations of landlords and tenants, eviction, repairs, security deposits and leases.

"Landlord-tenant disputes are common in the renting process. Some disputes can be avoided if landlords and tenants are aware of their rights and responsibilities," Nixon said. "To help both parties understand Missouri laws and to make the rental process go more smoothly, I am glad to provide this revised booklet on the landlord-tenant law."

He said complaints and inquiries about landlord-tenant issues consistently rank among the top 10 complaints received by the Attorney General's Office each year. In 1997, Nixon's office received more than 900 inquiries from consumers about landlord-tenant issues.

The lguide will be available during the show in Nixon's Consumer Fraud Hall of Shame, an exhibit featuring products used by con artists to swindle consumers as well as explanations of some of the scams prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office.

To order a free copy of the landlord-tenant guide or to file a consumer complaint, call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818