Real Estate News and Market Moves Week 112

When Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill 595 into law on July 14, it made headlines for restricting local governments from imposing additional tenant protections, particularly those aimed at leveling the playing field for voucher-holders and other low-income renters. For landlords and real estate investors across the state, it marked a significant shift in the regulatory landscape. 

But beyond the political back-and-forth, one truth emerges clearly from HB 595, professional property management is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. 

Let’s do a quick recap of HB 595- This bill ultimately prevents local governments in Missouri from creating or enforcing rules that require landlords to accept housing vouchers, restrict how landlords screen tenants, impede regulating the cap on security deposits or give tenants the right of first refusal when a property is being sold. In short, the law reasserts landlord autonomy but also adds new layers of legal and operational complexity. 

This is why professional management matters more than ever. At first glance, HB 595 might seem like a “win” for landlords. After all, it limits local interference and gives owners more discretion. But with that freedom comes added responsibility and risk. 

Here’s how a strong property management company becomes your most valuable player in the game 

1. Navigating Legal Gray Areas 

With a patchwork of local ordinances now nullified, landlords may find themselves in uncharted territory. A professional management team keeps you compliant, not just with HB 595, but with federal fair housing laws, lease agreement enforcement, and evolving best practices. Let’s not forget: Just because local rules are restricted doesn’t mean lawsuits or reputational risks have disappeared.

2. Balancing Risk and Opportunity 

The new law gives landlords the freedom to screen tenants more thoroughly but also opens the door to discrimination claims if the screening process isn’t handled carefully and consistently. A good property manager uses objective, documented processes for tenant screening, reducing the risk of costly legal missteps while still protecting your investment. 

3. Handling Voucher Tenants the Right Way 

Even though HB 595 says landlords don’t have to accept housing assistance, many owners still choose to rent to voucher-holders in the KC rental market. Why? Because with proper management, government-backed programs can be both stable and profitable. Professional managers know how to navigate voucher paperwork, maintain inspection deadlines, ensure timely rent collection and most importantly, foster a positive tenant relationship. 

4. Optimizing Revenue and Protection 

With no more state-mandated limits on security deposits, landlords now set their own terms, but that doesn’t mean “higher is better.” An experienced property manager helps you find the right balance by staying competitive yet protective, based on local market data and tenant profiles. They also ensure deposits are collected, documented, and returned in compliance with Missouri law. 

5. Future-Proofing Your Investment 

The passage of HB 595 doesn’t mean tenant advocacy or local regulation is going away. Political tides shift, lawsuits get filed, and new challenges always arise. A professional management firm offers continuity, foresight, and strategic advice, helping you stay ahead of whatever comes next. 

HB 595 shifts power back to landlords, but it also puts the burden of compliance and decision-making squarely on their shoulders. Kansas City’s rental landscape is more nuanced than ever. To stay profitable, protected, and legally sound, you need more than a lease agreement; you need expertise. That’s where professional property management steps in. Don’t think of it as an optional cost. Think of it as the foundation your investment needs to thrive in this new era.