Missouri Security Deposit Law: Return Deadline, Limits, and How to Get It Back

In Missouri, a landlord generally may not collect a security deposit larger than two months' rent, and once you move out the landlord has 30 days to either return your deposit or send you an itemized written statement explaining any deductions. These rules come from Missouri's security deposit statute (commonly cited as RSMo 535.300). If a landlord wrongfully keeps your money, Missouri law lets you sue for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Because landlord-tenant rules change and some cities (like St. Louis or Kansas City) add their own ordinances, confirm the current statute or talk to a Missouri attorney before relying on any single figure.

How much can a Missouri landlord charge?

Missouri sets a hard ceiling on the deposit itself. A landlord cannot demand or receive a security deposit greater than the equivalent of two months' rent. Note that this cap applies to the security deposit, not necessarily to other lawful charges such as the first month's rent or a separate, genuine pet fee, so read your lease closely.

• The deposit limit is tied to your monthly rent, so a higher rent allows a larger lawful deposit.
• Money labeled "last month's rent" can still be treated as a deposit depending on how it is held, so the substance matters more than the label.
• Local ordinances in some Missouri cities may add requirements, so check city rules too.

The 30-day return deadline and itemized statement

After your tenancy ends and you vacate, the landlord must return the deposit within 30 days. If the landlord keeps any portion, they must give you a written, itemized list of the damages or charges they are deducting. A vague claim like "cleaning and repairs" is not enough; the statement should identify what the deduction is for and the amount.

• The clock generally runs from the end of the tenancy, so document your move-out date.
• Missouri law allows the landlord a reasonable chance to inspect, and you typically have the right to be present at a move-out inspection if you request it in writing.
• Send the landlord your forwarding address in writing so there is no excuse for not mailing your money or statement.

What can and cannot be deducted

A Missouri landlord may deduct for unpaid rent, for damage beyond normal wear and tear, and for costs allowed under the lease or statute. The key limit is that normal wear and tear is not deductible. Ordinary aging from living in the unit is the landlord's cost of doing business, not yours.

• Usually deductible: unpaid rent, holes in walls, broken fixtures, pet damage, heavy stains, and trash or belongings left behind.
• Not deductible (normal wear and tear): faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, worn carpet from ordinary foot traffic, and gentle aging of appliances.
• Take dated photos or video at move-in and move-out; this evidence is what wins disputes.

Interest on deposits

Missouri's statewide security deposit statute does not require ordinary residential landlords to pay interest on the deposit, unlike some states. That said, local ordinances or a specific lease clause could promise interest, so check your written lease and any applicable city rules. When in doubt, ask the landlord in writing how the deposit is held.

Penalty for wrongful withholding and how to sue

If a landlord wrongfully withholds all or part of your deposit, or fails to provide the required itemized statement, Missouri law allows you to recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. This double-damages provision is meant to discourage landlords from holding deposits without justification.

• Demand letter first: Send a polite written demand citing the 30-day rule and your forwarding address. Keep a copy and proof of mailing. Many disputes settle here.
• Small claims court: Missouri's Small Claims Court is a division of the Circuit Court and handles money disputes up to $5,000. Filing fees are modest and you generally do not need a lawyer.
• Where to file: File in the county where the rental property is located or where the landlord can be served.
• Bring evidence: your lease, move-in and move-out photos, the itemized statement (or proof none was sent), receipts, and copies of your letters.

A lawyer or local legal aid office is worth contacting if the amount is large, the landlord is also pursuing you for alleged damages, or your case involves a city with its own ordinance. Many Missouri legal aid programs help tenants for free or at low cost. Remember this is general information, not legal advice, and Missouri rules can change and vary by locality, so verify the current statute before you act.