Rental Housing
City of Independence Rental Ready Program
Rental Ready is a program with goals to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents, maintain attractive and desirable neighborhoods, and ensure minimum standards for the interior of residential buildings. In September of 2016, the Independence City Council adopted a new program called “Rental Ready” which would establish an interior residential rental dwelling unit inspection.The program began on June 1st, 2017, and applies to all residential rental units in the city and would require all properties to be licensed and pass a basic health and safety inspection every two years. To learn more about the Rental Ready Program contact Business & Landlord Licensing in our Community Development Department at (816) 325-7079 or at blicenses@indepmo.org.
Rental Ready Inspection Companies
Rental Ready inspections must be completed by one of the City of Independence approved inspectors. Please see the below list of inspection companies.
Landlord Resources
Any rental property owner in Independence is required to have a Landlord License. This applies to both commercial and residential properties and is necessary before a property can be rented to a tenant. All landlord licenses are effective for 1 year from the month of issuance and renewed annually thereafter. The properties are also required to pass an inspection from a City of Independence approved inspector. These inspections must be completed at time of application and every two years after.
Apply for a Landlord License
Renew a Landlord License
Pay Outstanding Balance
Responding to a Rental Housing Complaint
A tenant may need a problem or issue addressed within their rental unit or on the rental property. They may send a letter or notification to the landlord/property owner requesting that the problem be handled. If the issue is not resolved to the tenants satisfaction, the tenant may request the city to conduct a complaint-based inspection.
Tenant Resources
If you have a concern regarding your rental home, you may file a complaint. Complaints must be first submitted to your landlord. Landlords are given 7 days to address the complaints upon receiving notification. If unresolved, tenants may file a complaint with the City of Independence.
To make a complaint, please fill out the landlord/tenant complaint form and submit the signed form to the Community Development Department. The completed form can be e-mailed to blicenses@indepmo.org or submitted in person to City Hall located at 111 E. Maple Ave.
Landlord Tenant Complaint Form
Other Resources
The City of Independence has compiled a list of resources and information regarding rental housing. This document includes information regarding the adopted rental code, what to expect on an inspection, and resources regarding housing.
This document is known as the Landlord Tenant Guide and should only be used as reference by rental property owners, property managers, tenants and likewise. It should not be interpreted as the rule of the law.
Landlord - Tenant Law from Missouri Attorney General
Landlord & Tenant Frequently Asked Questions
A landlord/tenant complaint is a complaint that is completed by either landlord or tenant against the other. A tenant would file typically due to rundown conditions of the building, broken appliances, plumbing, electrical issues, etc.
A landlord/tenant complaint is only for health and/or safety issues.
An issue with landlord such as a personality conflict or financial issues (i.e., late on rent) would not be grounds for a valid landlord/tenant complaint.
A landlord/tenant complaint form must be completed, signed, and turned in to start a complaint. The complaint form can be obtained and turned in at City Hall in Independence, 111 E. Maple Ave. Along with the completed and signed complaint form a copy of a valid photo ID, proof of residency (i.e. utility bill) OR copy of lease.
Once a landlord/tenant complaint is deemed valid and proper documentation is received there is a process that takes place:
- Valid signed complaint received with valid documentation.
- Landlord/tenant complaint case is started
- 10-day letter is sent to tenant, owner, and any property management company if applicable
- After 10 days have passed, if there is no contact from any party to advise that violations have been corrected the City will reach out to the tenant.
- If violations have not been corrected per tenant an inspection of the property will be scheduled.
- If an inspection is scheduled with tenant and the landlord is made aware. If all violations are completed by time of inspection then case is closed.
If violations still remain at time of inspection further action is taken.
Please contact Business Licensing at (816) 325-7079.