Legal Age to Rent an Apartment in Missouri: 18 (But Landlords May Require 21)

In Missouri, the age of majority is 18. At 18, you can legally sign a lease and enter binding contracts, including rental agreements.

However, Landlords Often Set Higher Minimums

• Common requirement: 21 years old.
• Reasons: Perceived maturity, income stability, rental history, lower risk.
• Legal? Yes — age discrimination laws (federal/state) protect 40+, not 18–20. Landlords can set minimum age >18 if applied uniformly.

What 18–20 Year Olds Can Do

1. Find landlords who rent to 18+ — many do, especially near colleges.
2. Offer a co-signer/guarantor (parent/guardian) — meets income/credit requirements.
3. Show proof of income (3× rent), employment, savings, rental references.
4. Consider roommates — joint lease with older tenant.
5. Look at student housing — designed for 18+.

Emancipated Minors

If legally emancipated (court order, marriage, military), a minor <18 can sign a lease. Rare.

Best Step

Call the property manager before applying and ask: "What is your minimum age to lease?" Saves application fees ($30–75) and time.