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Security Deposit Laws in Missouri

Missouri caps security deposits at 2 months' rent and requires landlords to return the deposit or an itemized list of damages within 30 days after the tenancy ends.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Missouri at a glance

Security deposit limit
2 months' rent
Deposit return deadline
30 days
30 days after termination of tenancy
Interest on deposits
Not required by state law
Some cities have their own interest rules
Notice before landlord entry
No statutory period
No statute specifies notice

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Missouri

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Missouri?

Missouri limits security deposits to 2 months' rent.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Missouri?

Missouri rule: 30 days after termination of tenancy.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Missouri?

No. Missouri state law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Some cities have their own rules.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Missouri?

Missouri has no statute that sets a notice period for landlord entry, so the lease usually governs. Giving reasonable advance notice is common practice.

Where do the Missouri rules for residential leases come from?

They come from RSMo 535.300 Security deposits. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.

How Missouri compares

Missouri is one of 30 jurisdictions that cap deposits by law. Its 30-day return deadline is the same as the most common deadline of 30 days; 15 jurisdictions require a faster return.

What this means in practice

Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.

Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.

Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.