Missouri Security Deposit Law
Missouri rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-23.
Short answer: Landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. RSMo 535.300.1
The rules in Missouri
| Security deposit limit | Landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. Pet deposits are excluded from the definition of 'security deposit' (535.300.8). Since 28 Aug 2025, RSMo 441.043 bars cities/counties from limiting security deposit amounts. Source: RSMo 535.300.1 |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages along with any remaining balance. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. Landlord must give the tenant reasonable written notice of the move-out inspection, and the tenant may attend (535.300.5). Source: RSMo 535.300.3 |
| 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 |
| Interest on deposits | No interest owed to tenant. Deposits must be held in an insured bank, credit union, or similar depository institution, and any interest earned belongs to the landlord. Housing authorities and other government landlords are exempt from the depository requirement. Source: RSMo 535.300.2 |
| Penalty for withholding | Tenant may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Annotation on the Revisor page cites PDQ Tower Services v. Adams, 213 S.W.3d 697 (Mo. App. W.D. 2007): double-damages provision does not apply to commercial tenants. Source: RSMo 535.300.6 |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Missouri vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. RSMo 535.300.1 | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages along with any remaining balance. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. RSMo 535.300.3 | 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. RSMo 535.300.3-.4 |
| Arkansas | Two months' rent. Example: with rent of $500, the maximum deposit is $1,000. The deposit rules apply only to landlords who rent six or more dwellings. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-16-303, 18-16-304 | Within 60 days after the tenant moves out. Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305 | The landlord may deduct unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage. Any deductions require a written, itemized list delivered to the tenant within 60 days of vacating. Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305 |
| Illinois | No statewide legal limit on the amount of a security deposit. Illinois AG fact sheet 'Landlord and Tenant Rights and Laws' (01/24) | If the landlord withholds anything for damage, an itemized statement with estimated or actual repair costs and paid receipts is due within 30 days after the tenant vacates (or possession ends, whichever is later); if no statement is given, the full deposit must be returned within 45 days after the tenant vacates. 765 ILCS 710/1 | Itemized statement of damage with estimated or actual repair/replacement cost for each item, with paid receipts (or copies) attached, delivered within 30 days by personal delivery, postmarked mail, or email to a verified address; if estimates are used, paid receipts must follow within 30 days. If receipts are unavailable through no fault of the landlord, a verified statement explaining why is allowed. 765 ILCS 710/1(a)-(b) |
| Iowa | Two months' rent. Iowa Code § 562A.12(1) | Within 30 days after termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding. If no address is provided within one year, the deposit reverts to the landlord. Iowa Code § 562A.12(3)-(4) | Written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any portion; if withheld for restoration, it must specify the nature of the damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent or other funds due under the lease, restoring the unit to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and costs of recovering possession from a tenant who fails in bad faith to vacate. Landlord bears the burden of proof. Iowa Code § 562A.12(3) |
| Kansas | Unfurnished unit: one month's rent. Furnished: 1.5 months' rent. If pets are allowed, an additional pet deposit of up to one-half month's rent. K.S.A. 58-2550(a) | Balance due within 14 days after the landlord determines deductions, and in no event more than 30 days after termination of tenancy, delivery of possession and the tenant's demand. If the tenant makes no demand within 30 days, the landlord must mail the amount due to the tenant's last known address. K.S.A. 58-2550(b) | Deductions for accrued rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance must be itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant. K.S.A. 58-2550(b) |
| Kentucky | No statutory cap (statewide or under URLTA). KRS 383.580 | Non-URLTA areas: no statute. URLTA areas: no fixed refund deadline; if the tenant leaves owing no rent with a refund due, the landlord must send notice of the refund amount to the tenant's last known address and may keep the deposit if the tenant does not respond within 60 days. If the tenant leaves without paying the last month's rent and does not demand the deposit, the landlord may apply it after 30 days. KRS 383.580(6)-(7) | URLTA areas: before taking a deposit, the landlord must give a signed move-in list of existing damage with estimated repair costs; at move-out the landlord must inspect and compile a signed list of damages with estimated costs, which the tenant may inspect and dispute in writing. Deposits must be kept in a separate account at a regulated institution and the tenant told the bank and account number. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. KRS 383.580(1)-(3), (5) |
| Nebraska | One month's periodic rent (any security however labeled). A separate pet deposit of up to one-fourth of one month's periodic rent may also be charged. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 | 14 days after the tenancy terminates (balance plus written itemization delivered or mailed; if no forwarding address is given, mail first-class to the last-known address). Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 | Required: a written itemization of the amounts withheld must accompany the returned balance within 14 days. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1416 |
| Oklahoma | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. 41 O.S. § 115 | 45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered AND the tenant makes a written demand for the deposit. 41 O.S. § 115(B) | Deductions (accrued rent and damages from tenant noncompliance) must be itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant by mail with return receipt requested or in person if the tenant can reasonably be found. 41 O.S. § 115(B) |
| Tennessee | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. Outside URLTA counties, no statute regulates security deposits; the lease governs. T.C.A. 66-28-301; ch. 66-7 (checked) | No fixed number of days for returning the deposit. In URLTA counties, if the tenant leaves owing no rent and is due a refund, the landlord must send notice of the refund amount to the tenant's last known or reasonably determinable address. If the tenant does not respond within 60 days of that notice, the landlord may keep the deposit. Move-out inspection: on the move-out day or within 4 calendar days after it. T.C.A. 66-28-301(b)(1)(A), (f) | Deductions must be supported by a written listing of damages with estimated repair costs. The tenant has the right to inspect: after a request to vacate, or within 5 days of the tenant's notice to vacate, the landlord may notify the tenant of the right to attend the inspection. At a mutual inspection, both parties sign the listing, and their signatures are conclusive evidence that it is accurate. A tenant who refuses to sign must list in writing the items they dispute. The landlord may inspect alone if the tenant left without written notice, abandoned the unit, was judicially removed, did not respond, did not show up, or did not request an inspection. In that case, on the tenant's written request, the landlord must send a copy of the listing by certificate of mailing. The deposit may also be applied to unpaid rent. T.C.A. 66-28-301(b), (e) |
City rules that may add to state law
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Missouri Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Missouri?
Landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. (RSMo 535.300.1)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Missouri?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages along with any remaining balance. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. (RSMo 535.300.3)
Does a landlord in Missouri have to give an itemized list of deposit 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. (RSMo 535.300.3-.4)
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Missouri?
No interest owed to tenant. Deposits must be held in an insured bank, credit union, or similar depository institution, and any interest earned belongs to the landlord. (RSMo 535.300.2)
What happens if a landlord in Missouri wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
Tenant may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld. (RSMo 535.300.6)
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.