May is national moving month: How to avoid scams and understand renting laws

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

May highlights the peak of moving season as many people graduate college and move to a new home or apartment.

But before packing up your belongings, you should be aware of Missouri laws regarding moving and scams. When signing a new lease there are several things that you should be included under Missouri law:

• Amount of monthly rent
• Address of rental property
• Rent due and grace period if any
• Security deposit and conditions for its return
• Length of lease
• Landlords name, address and phone number

When ending a lease, it's a good idea to keep in mind Missouri law states security deposits must be returned to the tenant in 30 days after termination of the lease.

Landlords have the right to do an inspection during that 30 day window of returning a deposit, but must provide a notice to the tenant of what time and date the inspection is taking place.

The tenant has the right to be present during the move-out inspection.

To avoid conflict, it's a good idea to ask your landlord what condition they expect the unit to be left in.

The landlord may keep part or all of the security deposit you gave to pay for actual damages but not for normal wear and tear. They can also use the security deposit to cover unpaid rent or lost rent if a tenant did give enough notice they are moving out.

Missouri law states if a landlord wrongfully withheld all or part of the security deposit, the tenant can sue to recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

During your time living in a unit repairs will likely have to be done but it's a good idea to have written in your lease what repairs are the tenants responsibility and what repairs are the landlords.

The Better Business Bureau says it sees an increase of moving scams during this time of year.

In 2021, the BBB reported receiving over 1,000 complaints against moving companies. When hiring a moving company, its recommended to get everything in writing.

Consumer experts say if you're moving you need to be aware of fraudulent scams.

"Companies present themselves as a moving company but in reality they are just a broker, they're the middle man connecting a potential customer with an actual moving company," Nick Knoth, with the Better Business Bureau said.

Knoth says, dishonest companies will quote you and have you pay a deposit and not show up on moving day.

These companies, Knoth said, will often move your things then suddenly want more money and hold your items hostage till they get it. When you do pay a company, the BBB recommends paying with a credit card.

"If you are defrauded or their money is stolen, they're not stealing your money they're stealing the credit card company's money," Knoth said. "If you use a debit card and they steal your money or uncharge you or whatever it may be they're stealing your money that's in your checking account it's your dollars and it's harder to get back compared to a credit card."

To hire the right company Knoth says you should do your homework.

"Step one is to get everything in writing but also just like everything else comparison shop, check their reputation whether that's going on bbb.org where we have A through F rating for how they have treated their consumers, their customers and what customers think of them." Knoth says.

The BBB says the right company will have consistent and clear communication and pricing.