Missouri House Bill HB938

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Establishes provisions relating to the reporting of positive rental payment information to a consumer reporting agency

Impact

The implementation of HB 938 is expected to significantly impact tenant rights in Missouri by requiring landlords to offer positive reporting of rental payments. For leases commencing on or after February 1, 2026, landlords will be obligated to present this option at the beginning of the lease agreement and on an annual basis thereafter. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely and complete rental payments as positive contributions to a tenant's credit profile, potentially increasing their access to loans and other financial opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 938 aims to amend Chapter 441 of Missouri statutes by establishing provisions relating to the reporting of positive rental payment information to consumer reporting agencies. The bill mandates that landlords of residential rental properties offer their tenants the option to have their timely rental payments reported to consumer reporting agencies. This provision intends to provide tenants with an opportunity to build credit history based on their rental payment track record, which could be beneficial for tenants who have little or no credit history.

Contention

One point of contention regarding HB 938 could be the extent of landlord obligations and the potential fees associated with positive rental payment reporting. The bill allows landlords to charge a fee for the service, which has raised concerns about whether this may create a financial burden for tenants, particularly low-income renters. Critics may argue that although the bill aims to help tenants, it could inadvertently lead to additional costs that some may not be able to afford, thereby contradicting its intent to enhance tenant financial position.