Missouri · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026
Missouri security deposit law
In Missouri, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit.
Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026
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×
Get your deposit back, step by step
- Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Missouri: Mailing to your last known address counts, so give a forwarding address.
- 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.
- If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
- If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000. Small claims court in Missouri on RobinClaim
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.
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.
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
- 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
Small claims court in Missouri
Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $5,000.
More for Missouri renters
- All Missouri tenant rights
- Repairs: Missouri
- Eviction: Missouri
- Security deposit laws by state (2026)
- Guide: how to get your security deposit back