Missouri security deposit law is fairly straightforward
Missouri landlords generally have 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions with any remaining balance.
Two practical things help
Give your landlord a current mailing or forwarding address in writing and keep proof. Missouri lets a landlord comply by mailing the statement and payment to your last known address.
Also watch for the move-out inspection notice. Missouri requires reasonable notice of the inspection date and time, and the tenant has the right to be present.
The core Missouri rules
- A landlord may not demand or receive more than two months' rent as a security deposit.
- Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send a written itemized list of deductions with any balance.
- The landlord can comply by mailing the statement and payment to the tenant's last known address.
- The landlord must give reasonable inspection notice, and the tenant may be present.
- If the landlord wrongfully withholds money, Missouri law can support recovery of twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
What the landlord can deduct
Missouri permits deductions only for specific categories. The most common are unpaid rent, restoration beyond ordinary wear and tear, and actual damages caused by the tenant's failure to give adequate notice to terminate when the landlord makes reasonable efforts to reduce the loss.
Carpet-cleaning charges need extra care. Missouri allows certain carpet-cleaning charges where the rental agreement and statute support them, but actual costs and receipt timing matter.
What should not be deducted
Ordinary wear and tear is not a proper damage deduction. Normal aging, light use, minor scuffs, and expected wear from living in the unit should not be treated like tenant-caused damage.
Missouri also does not let a tenant apply the security deposit in place of rent. Keep rent issues separate from deposit-return issues.
No ordinary tenant-interest rule
Missouri's statewide rule does not create a general right for the tenant to receive ordinary interest on the deposit. Section 535.300 says ordinary interest earned on the deposit belongs to the landlord.
Remedies if the landlord wrongfully withholds money
If the landlord wrongfully withholds your Missouri deposit, you could win double damages in court. That is leverage. The Recovery System helps you show the deadline, itemized-list problem, inspection record, deduction issue, and amount owed clearly before you escalate.
The stronger claim is built from proof that the money was wrongfully withheld, not just from the fact that the tenant and landlord disagree.
Official sources
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Related Missouri guides
If you want the Missouri letters organized by deadline, itemized list, inspection record, deduction issue, and final demand, the recovery system is the shortcut.
Get the Deposit Recovery SystemImportant: This is general information and not legal advice.