Missouri Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rentMissouri generally caps residential security deposits at 2 months' rent. A lease clause demanding more than that may be unenforceable — the FAQ below covers the exact conditions.
Educational information: generated from our Missouri law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Missouri compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Missouri compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Missouri | 2 months' rent |
| Montana | no statutory limit |
| Nebraska | 1 month's rent |
| Nevada | 3 months' rent |
| New Hampshire | 1 month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater) |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Missouri?
- Missouri generally limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. Maximum 2 months rent. Must be held in federally insured financial institution. Return within 30 days with itemized statement. Wrongful retention: 2x damages. Pet deposits excluded from security deposit rules. Move-out inspection notice required.
- Does Missouri require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Missouri does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Missouri?
- Missouri landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Missouri Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Missouri law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Missouri lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Missouri for your specific situation.