Missouri resale certificate: What it is, how to get one, and how it is used

What is a resale certificate?

A Missouri resale certificate is a document provided during the sale of a unit in a condominium or homeowners association (HOA). It contains important information about the property and the association. In Missouri, resale certificates may help disclose fees, financial obligations, and governing documents to prospective buyers.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

Are resale certificates required in Missouri?

In Missouri, condominiums created after September 28, 1983 must provide a resale certificate under the Missouri Uniform Condominium Act (MUCA). Older condo associations that have opted into MUCA may also be required to provide resale certificates. Unit owners must provide the resale certificate to the buyer before contract signing or, if the contract was already signed, before the ownership legally transfers.

For HOAs or PUDs (planned unit developments) outside of condominium law, Missouri does not typically require a resale certificate. However, in practice, many HOAs and PUDs choose to provide a "resale disclosure" or similar package which includes financials, governing documents, and outstanding balances, especially if it’s stipulated by the association itself or lender requirements.
 

What is included in a resale certificate?

Under Missouri law (RSMo § 448.4-109), when selling a condominium unit, the resale certificate provided to the buyer must include:

• A copy of governing documents, including:
   
  • The declaration (excluding plats and plans)
     
  • The association’s bylaws
     
  • The association’s rules and regulations


• As well as disclosure of:
   
  • Any right of first refusal or other restrictions on selling the unit
     
  • The current monthly common expense assessment
     
  • Any unpaid common expenses or special assessments owed by the seller
     
  • Any other fees payable by unit owners
     
  • Anticipated capital expenditures for the current and next two fiscal years
     
  • The amount of reserve funds for capital expenditures, including any designated for specific projects
     
  • The most recent balance sheet and income/expense statement of the association (if available)
     
  • The association budget
     
  • Any unsatisfied judgments against the association
     
  • The status of any pending lawsuits involving the association
     
  • A summary of insurance coverage provided for unit owners
     
  • Whether any unit or limited common element improvements violate the declaration
     
  • The remaining term and renewal terms of any leasehold estate affecting the condominium

Although these state requirements apply to condominiums, many HOAs and community associations also include similar details in their resale packages, often because their own governing documents or lender expectations call for it.
 

How to get a resale certificate in Missouri

To get a Missouri resale certificate, the current owner or their agent typically submits a request to the association or its management company. In most cases, only the unit owner, their real estate agent, or the buyer's agent may request this document. If the association is self-managed, the request is typically made directly to the board. If the community is professionally managed, the resale certificate request usually goes through the management company. Some companies use online portals or request forms to streamline this process.

Once requested, the association or management company typically has a set timeframe to provide the Missouri resale certificate. Condo associations generally have 10 days under the MUCA. HOA timelines can vary depending on their governing documents, but 10 days is also a common timeframe within these communities.
 

How to use a Missouri resale certificate

Buyers and their agents use the Missouri resale certificate to understand the financial and legal obligations that come with ownership in a particular HOA or condo association. The document should be reviewed carefully before closing.

Buyers should use the resale certificate to:

• Confirm whether the current owner is in good standing
   
• Learn about monthly assessments, special assessments, and upcoming fees
   
• Understand the rules and regulations
   
• Review financial documents and reserve fund levels
   
• Check community association insurance coverage and litigation status

Lenders may also review the resale certificate before approving financing. If the association’s finances or policies raise red flags, a lender might reconsider its terms or require more information.
 

Frequently asked questions about Missouri resale certificates

Do resale certificates expire?

MUCA does not set an explicit expiration period, but many lenders and associations require a new certificate to be issued if the closing date is pushed back by more than 30 days.
 

What is the difference between a resale certificate and an exemption certificate?

A Missouri resale certificate used in community associations is different from a Missouri resale or exemption certificate used for sales tax purposes. The exemption certificate is for tax-exempt purchases made by a reseller. The resale certificate in HOAs is a disclosure document for real estate transactions.
 

How much is a resale certificate in Missouri?

The cost of a Missouri resale certificate depends on the association, but many charge between $100 and $300. This fee is usually paid by the seller, but buyers should confirm terms in the purchase agreement.

Community associations in Missouri should have a clear process for preparing and issuing resale certificates. Maintaining organized financial records, governing documents, and standardized disclosure packets can help streamline this process. Board members or managers responsible for issuing resale certificates should be aware of what information is legally required and how long they have to respond to a request.
 

Does Missouri accept out-of-state resale certificates?

For real estate transactions involving HOAs and condos, resale certificates must come from the association managing the Missouri property. Missouri does not accept resale certificates from other states for these purposes.

If your association is professionally managed, your property management company should handle resale certificate requests as part of their service. At FirstService Residential, we help streamline resale document delivery through secure digital platforms and experienced 24/7 Customer Care teams.
 

How FirstService Residential supports Missouri associations

FirstService Residential provides full-service community association management for Missouri HOAs and condo associations. We help boards handle resale certificate requests efficiently and professionally. With a local team backed by national resources, we support every part of community management, from financial reporting to board meetings to owner communications. Contact us today to learn how we can help simplify life in your Missouri association.