Missouri · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Missouri security deposit law

How much a landlord in Missouri can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

Short answer

In Missouri, the deposit limit is: two months' rent (pet deposits are not counted as security deposits) The landlord must return it as follows: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit, or send a written itemized list of damages along with the rest of the deposit.

deposit limit
2 months' rent
to return a deposit
30 days
deposit penalty
Up to 2×

Security deposit in Missouri

Limit
two months' rent (pet deposits are not counted as security deposits)
Deadline to return it
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit, or send a written itemized list of damages along with the rest of the deposit. Mailing to your last known address counts, so give a forwarding address.
Itemized list
Yes: a written itemized list of damages for anything withheld. If the lease allows carpet-cleaning charges, the landlord must give you a receipt for the actual carpet cleaning cost within 30 days.
What may be deducted
Only amounts reasonably needed for: unpaid rent; restoring the unit to its move-in condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted (and carpet cleaning if the lease says so); and actual damages from your failure to give proper notice to end the tenancy, if the landlord tries to re-rent. The landlord must give you reasonable written notice of the move-out inspection date and time, and you may attend.
Interest
no (any interest earned belongs to the landlord)
Separate account
The deposit must be held in a federally insured bank, credit union or depository institution (not required for housing authorities or other government landlords).
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
Twice the amount wrongfully withheld (RSMo 535.300.6).
Law
RSMo 535.300

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Missouri: Mailing to your last known address counts, so give a forwarding address.
  3. Wait for the deadline: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit, or send a written itemized list of damages along with the rest of the deposit.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000. Small claims court in Missouri on Small Claims Map

Deposit return calculator for Missouri

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

Security deposit demand letter for Missouri

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

We suggest 14 days.

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

Small claims court in Missouri

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $5,000.

How to file in Missouri

Questions about security deposits in Missouri

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Missouri?

two months' rent (pet deposits are not counted as security deposits)

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Missouri?

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit, or send a written itemized list of damages along with the rest of the deposit. Mailing to your last known address counts, so give a forwarding address.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Missouri?

Twice the amount wrongfully withheld (RSMo 535.300.6).

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Missouri?

Only amounts reasonably needed for: unpaid rent; restoring the unit to its move-in condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted (and carpet cleaning if the lease says so); and actual damages from your failure to give proper notice to end the tenancy, if the landlord tries to re-rent. The landlord must give you reasonable written notice of the move-out inspection date and time, and you may attend.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Missouri?

no (any interest earned belongs to the landlord)

What is the small claims limit in Missouri?

$5,000.

More for Missouri renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.