Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Missouri

Missouri: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the end of the tenancy. Interest: no. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): 2x the amount withheld. (Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.300)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, cleaning to move in condition, damage beyond wear, lease break fee. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 2x the amount withheld if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed).
Deposit cap: 2 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

Within thirty days after the date of termination of the tenancy, the landlord shall: (1) Return the full amount of the security deposit; or (2) Furnish to the tenant a written itemized list of the damages for which the security deposit or any portion thereof is withheld, along with the balance of the security deposit.

Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.300.3. Source: RSMo 535.300 Security deposits, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Section last amended by S.B. 581 (2018); in effect since 2018-08-28.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,650.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $350.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.300 (Missouri)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Cleaning                               -$150.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,650.00
Refund due to tenant                               $350.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Only for agreed carpet cleaning: a receipt for the actual carpet-cleaning costs within 30 days of the end of the tenancy (535.300.4(2)). No general receipts duty.
- Itemized under Mo. Rev. Stat. 535.300.

Settle a deposit in Missouri

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

Tick what you have (0 of 5)

Free to try. Agents and software: 20 calls a day free, then $0.02 a call. Nothing you enter is stored.

Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

All covered states · How it works