Missouri Security Deposit Return Deadline & Penalty Calculator
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Computed as 30 calendar days under RSMo § 535.300.
Missouri Small Claims Court cap: $5,000 — eligible for Small Claims Court filing.
Missouri Security Deposit Rules at a Glance (RSMo § 535.300)
30 calendar days after the termination of the tenancy under RSMo § 535.300. The landlord must return the full deposit or provide a written itemized list of damages and the remaining refund delivered personally or sent by mail to the tenant's last known address.
| Deadline (No Deductions) | 30 calendar days |
|---|---|
| Deadline (With Itemized Deductions) | 30 calendar days |
| Maximum Deposit Cap | Strictly capped at 2 months' rent maximum under RSMo § 535.300(1) (any deposit exceeding 2 months' rent violates the statute). |
| Bad-Faith / Late Penalty | Under RSMo § 535.300(5), if the landlord wrongfully withholds all or any portion of the security deposit in violation of the statute, the tenant may recover as damages not more than twice (2x) the amount wrongfully withheld. |
| Deposit Interest Rule | Security deposit funds must be held in an escrow account in a bank or financial institution (RSMo § 535.300(2)); interest earned belongs to the landlord unless otherwise agreed in writing. |
| Small Claims Court Limit | $5,000 |
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Key Missouri Statutory Nuances & Documentation Rules
- Walkthrough Inspection Notice (§ 535.300(4)): The landlord must give reasonable written notice of the date and time of the move-out inspection, and the tenant has the right to be present at the inspection during normal business hours.
- Strict Statutory Cap: A landlord cannot charge more than 2 months' rent for all security deposits and pet deposits combined.
- Allowable Deductions Enumerated (§ 535.300(3)): Deductions are strictly limited to unpaid rent, actual damage to the premises exceeding normal wear and tear, and actual costs to restore the premises if tenant abandoned.
- Tenant Remedy in Small Claims: Missouri Small Claims Courts (limit $5,000) routinely hear deposit claims, and judges have discretion to award double damages upon proof of wrongful withholding.
Kansas City Rental Move-Out with Disputed Deductions
A tenant vacates a Kansas City apartment on July 31, 2026 after paying a $1,700 deposit. Under RSMo § 535.300, the landlord has 30 calendar days (until August 30, 2026, rolling to Monday, August 31, 2026) to provide an itemized list of deductions and refund the balance. If the landlord retains $900 for carpet cleaning without delivering the itemized statement by August 31, the tenant can sue in Missouri Small Claims Court (limit $5,000) for the $900 withheld plus statutory double damages up to $1,800 (2x $900).
Missouri Security Deposit Return FAQs
How long does a Missouri landlord have to return a security deposit?
Under Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) § 535.300(3), the landlord has 30 calendar days after tenancy termination to return the full deposit or provide a written itemized list of damages and the remaining refund.
What is the penalty if a Missouri landlord withholds a deposit wrongfully?
Under RSMo § 535.300(5), if the landlord wrongfully fails to return the deposit or provide the itemized list, the tenant may recover damages of up to twice (2x) the amount wrongfully withheld.
Does a tenant in Missouri have the right to attend the move-out inspection?
Yes. Under RSMo § 535.300(4), the landlord must give reasonable notice to the tenant of the time and date of the move-out inspection, and the tenant has the right to attend the inspection held at a reasonable time.
What is the maximum security deposit allowed in Missouri?
Under RSMo § 535.300(1), a landlord cannot demand or receive a security deposit exceeding two months' rent.