State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Missouri Security Deposit Laws
Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.300, Missouri landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld.
Quick Answer
In Missouri, landlords have 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is 2 months' rent. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $5,000) and may recover Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld under Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.300. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Missouri Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 30 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $5,000without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $400-1,4005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $200-7003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Missouri deposit: $1,100 · Potential 57x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Missouri landlord have to return my deposit?
Missouri landlords have 30 days to return your deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.
What is the deposit limit in Missouri?
Missouri caps deposits at 2 months' rent. Any excess charged must be returned.
What penalties exist for Missouri landlords?
Wrongful withholding can result in up to 2x the deposit amount. Small Claims Court handles disputes up to $5,000.
City-Specific Rules
Some Missouri cities have additional tenant protections:
- St. Louis: Additional tenant resources through city housing programs.
- Kansas City: Active tenant advocacy organizations.
Official Resources
- Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection(Government)
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Missouri's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.300 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527