EXCELLENT PUBLIC SERVICE!!!
I recently had a dealing with a terrible landlord who wouldn't fix major issues with the apartment I was renting. I filed a complaint with the Protective Inspection Division (Daniel Boone Building, 2nd Floor) and they were out to inspect the building THAT DAY. The violations they found caused them to formally file a complaint and require the leasing agent to fix the building or be fined and possibly lose the license for renting that apartment. They still haven't fixed anything. If they don't, the Inspectors will take care of it.
The Process: You have to go to their office and file a formal complaint and put down a $15 deposit for the inspector to come to your place. If they come and validate your complaints (have to be code violations, which there are usually at least a few in every apartment) you get the $15 back and they file against the owner/leasing agent. BUT.... You have to be within the city limits of columbia. I'm not sure if Boone County has an equivalent service. read more