Missouri security deposit rules
Missouri limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. The deposit must be returned within 30 days after the date of termination of the tenancy, return the full deposit or furnish a written itemized list of damages withheld plus the balance; mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
2 months' rent. Returned Within 30 days after the date of termination of the tenancy, return the full deposit or furnish a written itemized list of damages withheld plus the balance; mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. Deposit must be held in a federally insured bank/credit union/depository; any interest earned is the property of the landlord (§ 535.300.2). Housing authorities/government landlords exempt from the holding rule. Tenant recovers twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Current text effective 28 Aug 2018 (L. 1983 H.B. 175; A.L. 2016 H.B. 1862; A.L. 2018 S.B. 581); no 2024-2026 amendments found. Official revisor.mo.gov text was read via a Sept 2026 Wayback snapshot (live site refused connections); cross-checked against FindLaw (current through 1 Jan 2025).
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 30-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing RSMo § 535.300. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Missouri rules
- Late fees: No statutory cap or grace period; late fees are enforceable only if provided in the lease and reasonable under general contract (liquidated-damages) principles. Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: One month's written notice by either party, terminating on a periodic rent-paying date not less than one month after receipt of the notice (§ 441.060.3-.4); 60 days for owner-occupied mobile home lot tenancies Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Missouri landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Missouri?
2 months' rent. Deposit must be held in a federally insured bank/credit union/depository; any interest earned is the property of the landlord (§ 535.300.2). Housing authorities/government landlords exempt from the holding rule. Tenant recovers twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Current text effective 28 Aug 2018 (L. 1983 H.B. 175; A.L. 2016 H.B. 1862; A.L. 2018 S.B. 581); no 2024-2026 amendments found. Official revisor.mo.gov text was read via a Sept 2026 Wayback snapshot (live site refused connections); cross-checked against FindLaw (current through 1 Jan 2025).
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Missouri?
Within 30 days after the date of termination of the tenancy, return the full deposit or furnish a written itemized list of damages withheld plus the balance; mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. The statute is RSMo § 535.300.
Does a Missouri landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Missouri law does not require interest on residential security deposits.