How can I get my security deposit back in Missouri?
Under Missouri law, a landlord must either return a tenant's full security deposit or give a written, itemized list of damages within 30 days after the tenancy ends. A landlord may only keep amounts reasonably needed for unpaid rent, to repair damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, or to cover certain costs described in the rental agreement. If a landlord improperly holds or mishandles a deposit, there may be remedies a tenant can pursue in court.
Many people start by sending a written demand for the deposit, keeping careful records (move-in/move-out photos, receipts, communications), and preparing to file a claim in small claims court if the landlord does not respond or returns an insufficient amount. Other options sometimes apply for tenants connected with the military or where statutes about trustee handling of deposits are implicated.
Current Missouri law
Every answer cites the statute
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The deadline that matters
30 days after the tenancy ends
What Missouri law says
Missouri law requires a landlord to return the full security deposit or provide a written, itemized list of damages and any remaining balance within thirty days after the tenancy ends, under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300. That statute also limits what a landlord may withhold from the deposit to amounts reasonably necessary to: unpaid rent, restoring the dwelling to its condition at the start of the tenancy (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and compensating the landlord for actual damages from the tenant's failure to give required notice, with a duty to mitigate. Missouri law also treats certain deposits as trust funds that must be kept separate and deposited in a bank within seven days, and violations can be a misdemeanor under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 456.007. A lessor who violates that trust requirement may be liable for double the deposit and reasonable attorney fees under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 456.009. For members of the armed forces renting under certain indemnification programs or housing dispute processes, federal statutes describe special dispute resolution and indemnity arrangements that can affect deposit and damage claims, see 10 U.S.C. § 1055 and 10 U.S.C. § 2894.
What to do
A common first step is to send a clear, dated written demand to the landlord asking for the deposit or an itemized list of deductions.
A common next step is to gather evidence: the lease, move-in/move-out photos, repair receipts, and communications with the landlord.
A common option is to prepare a small claims filing if the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide required notice.
A common step is to note whether the landlord properly held the deposit (separate bank deposit) because mishandling can create additional liability.
A common step is to keep copies of everything and a timeline of events to present with any claim.
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Common questions
What can a Missouri landlord legally withhold from my deposit?
A landlord may withhold only amounts reasonably necessary for unpaid rent, repairing damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and certain costs tied to the tenant failing to give proper notice, with a duty to mitigate such damages.
What if the landlord did not return the deposit or provide an itemized list within 30 days?
If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required written itemization within 30 days, tenants commonly pursue recovery through a written demand followed by a claim in small claims court; additional remedies may apply if the deposit was mishandled as a trust fund.
Can I get more than my exact deposit back?
Missouri statutes allow certain additional penalties where a landlord violates trust-handling rules, which in some cases can lead to a recovery beyond the deposit amount; outcomes depend on the statute and court findings.
Do special rules apply to military members?
Federal provisions create programs and dispute processes for military housing and indemnification arrangements, which can affect deposit and damage claims in specific situations.
Every legal statement on this page links to the primary source, verified against CiteLaw's corpus. This page updates automatically when the law changes.
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This is legal information, not legal advice. CiteLaw is not a law firm and does not represent you. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
