General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent.
- Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance.
- Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, restoring the unit beyond ordinary wear and tear, agreed carpet cleaning and losses from inadequate notice to end the tenancy, all listed in writing.
- Any interest earned on a security deposit belongs to the landlord.
- A tenant can recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Missouri limits security deposits to two months' rent. Landlords have 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit or send an itemized list of damages, and wrongful withholding can cost twice the amount kept.
Missouri security deposits at a glance
| Rule | Missouri | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. | RSMo 535.300 |
| Deadline to return the deposit | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance. | RSMo 535.300 |
| Itemized deductions | Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, restoring the unit beyond ordinary wear and tear, agreed carpet cleaning and losses from inadequate notice to end the tenancy, all listed in writing. | RSMo 535.300 |
| Interest on deposits | Any interest earned on a security deposit belongs to the landlord. | RSMo 535.300 |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | A tenant can recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld. | RSMo 535.300 |
How much you can collect
Deposit limit. A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. (RSMo 535.300)
Holding the deposit
Where the deposit is held. Deposits must be kept in a federally insured bank, credit union or other depository institution. (RSMo 535.300)
Interest on deposits. Any interest earned on a security deposit belongs to the landlord. (RSMo 535.300)
Receipts and notices. The landlord must give reasonable written notice of the date and time of the move out inspection, and the tenant has the right to attend. (RSMo 535.300)
Deductions and normal wear and tear
A deposit can cover unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Everyday aging, such as faded paint, small nail holes or light carpet wear, is not damage.
Itemized deductions. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, restoring the unit beyond ordinary wear and tear, agreed carpet cleaning and losses from inadequate notice to end the tenancy, all listed in writing. (RSMo 535.300)
Returning the deposit
Deadline to return the deposit. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance. (RSMo 535.300)
Penalties for wrongful withholding
Penalty for wrongful withholding. A tenant can recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld. (RSMo 535.300)
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping a dated move-in condition report with photos, then having nothing to compare against at move out.
- Charging for normal wear and tear.
- Missing the return deadline, even by a few days.
- Not asking for a forwarding address before the tenant leaves.
- Losing track of deposit money by mixing it with operating funds without a ledger.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Missouri rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Missouri attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- RSMo 535.300
Official sources
Missouri forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Where landlords trip up.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Missouri?
A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. Source: RSMo 535.300.
How long does a Missouri landlord have to return a deposit?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages with the balance. Source: RSMo 535.300.
Do Missouri landlords have to pay interest on deposits?
Any interest earned on a security deposit belongs to the landlord. Source: RSMo 535.300.
What happens if a Missouri landlord keeps a deposit wrongly?
A tenant can recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Source: RSMo 535.300.