Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Missouri

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Missouri law says

Itemized deductions	Required. Withholding must be listed in a written itemized list of damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent; restoring the unit beyond ordinary wear and tear; carpet cleaning if the lease contains the required notice and a receipt is provided within 30 days; actual losses from the tenant's inadequate termination notice if the landlord tried to mitigate. Tenant may not use the deposit as last month's rent (535.300.7). Source: RSMo 535.300.3-.4
Wear and tear / move-out charges	A deposit may be withheld only for amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent, to restore the unit to its condition at the start of the tenancy ('ordinary wear and tear excepted'), or for actual damages from the tenant's failure to give proper notice (with reasonable efforts to mitigate). Carpet cleaning: the lease may set amounts or fees for carpet cleaning, and amounts actually spent may be withheld if the lease also tells the tenant they may be liable for actual carpet-cleaning costs beyond ordinary wear and tear. The landlord must give a receipt for actual carpet-cleaning costs within 30 days after the tenancy ends. 'Ordinary wear and tear' is not defined. Deductions require a written itemized list of damages within 30 days (535.300.3). Source: RSMo 535.300.4

Itemized deductions

Required. Withholding must be listed in a written itemized list of damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent; restoring the unit beyond ordinary wear and tear; carpet cleaning if the lease contains the required notice and a receipt is provided within 30 days; actual losses from the tenant's inadequate termination notice if the landlord tried to mitigate.

Tenant may not use the deposit as last month's rent (535.300.7).

Source: RSMo 535.300.3-.4

Wear and tear / move-out charges

A deposit may be withheld only for amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent, to restore the unit to its condition at the start of the tenancy ('ordinary wear and tear excepted'), or for actual damages from the tenant's failure to give proper notice (with reasonable efforts to mitigate). Carpet cleaning: the lease may set amounts or fees for carpet cleaning, and amounts actually spent may be withheld if the lease also tells the tenant they may be liable for actual carpet-cleaning costs beyond ordinary wear and tear. The landlord must give a receipt for actual carpet-cleaning costs within 30 days after the tenancy ends. 'Ordinary wear and tear' is not defined.

Deductions require a written itemized list of damages within 30 days (535.300.3).

Source: RSMo 535.300.4

Fill it in

Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted, and keep a signed copy.

MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Missouri tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.