Missouri Condo Due Diligence Checklist

Where Missouri due diligence deserves the most attention

Legal Framework

Condominiums (post-9/28/1983): Governed by the Missouri Uniform Condominium Act, RSMo §§ 448.1-101 to 448.4-120. Sections 448.1-101 through 448.4-120 "may be cited as the 'Uniform Condominium Act.'" It is Missouri's adoption of the 1980 Uniform Condominium Act (UCA) and applies to condominiums created after September 28, 1983.

Reserve Studies and Reserve Funding

No reserve study + low reserve balance: High risk of deferred maintenance and future special assessments. Common in older St. Louis and KC loft conversions.; Reserve balance disclosed but tiny relative to building size: Even if legal, signals undercollection.; Anticipated capital expenditures listed in the resale certificate but no reserve set aside: A direct red flag — the board expects spending it has not funded.; Planned-community (non-condo) buyers: May get no reserve disclosure at all, because the § 448.4-109 resale certificate is a *condominium* re…

Structural Inspections and Building Safety

No milestone/recertification law: Unlike Florida (SB-4D) or California (SB-326/SB-721), Missouri does not require periodic structural or balcony inspections of condominium buildings by age or height. Post-Surfside, Missouri has not enacted condo safety-inspection legislation.; Statewide building code: Missouri has repeatedly debated, but not adopted, a statewide building code (proposals for a Missouri Building Codes Commission have circulated). Until then, code adoption and enforcement is local.; Local codes prevail: St. Louis City, St.

Insurance Requirements and Insurance-Market Risk

Property insurance on the common elements against "all risks of direct physical loss" (or fire + extended coverage for conversion buildings), in an amount not less than 80% of the actual cash value of the insured property after deductibles (excluding land, foundations, excavations).

Resale Disclosures and Buyer Cancellation Rights

A purchaser is not liable for any unpaid assessment or fee greater than the amount stated in the association's certificate (a binding estoppel-type protection).; Cancellation right: the purchase contract is voidable by the purchaser until the certificate has been provided and for five days thereafter, or until conveyance, whichever first occurs. This is a *narrow* right tied to non-delivery — not a general inspection-period rescission.

Assessments, Special Assessments, and Borrowing

`special_assessment_pending` – Proposed/approved special not in current dues.; `storm_deductible_assessment` – Special to fund a wind/hail/tornado deductible.; `budget_rejected_history` – Owners previously rejected a budget (continuation of prior budget; possible financial strain).; `large_budget_increase` – Year-over-year dues jump beyond threshold.