Lease Snipe

Missouri Deposit Return Deadline

30 days

Under Missouri law, a landlord generally has 30 days after move-out to return your security deposit (or provide an itemized statement of deductions) — the FAQ below covers the conditions that can change the deadline.

Educational information: generated from our Missouri law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How Missouri compares

51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how Missouri compares with other states in our database.

StateDeposit Return Deadline
Missouri30 days
Montana10–30 days
Nebraska14 days
Nevada30 days
New Hampshire30 days

Frequently asked questions

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Missouri?
Generally 30 days after move-out. 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.
Can a Missouri landlord keep my deposit for damages?
Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
What if my Missouri landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
Missing the statutory deadline (30 days) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. 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.

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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.