Missouri landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Missouri quirk
Wrongful deposit withholding costs the landlord twice the amount withheld, and tenants have a statutory right to attend the move-out inspection (§ 535.300). Known prior meth production must be disclosed in writing regardless of conviction (§ 441.236), and state law authorizes dedicated landlord-tenant courts for St. Louis City and Jackson County (§§ 535.200, 535.210) while preempting local rent control and deposit caps (§ 441.043).
Missouri landlord law FAQ
How much can I charge for a security deposit in Missouri?
No more than two months' rent (§ 535.300). State law also bars cities and counties from imposing their own stricter deposit caps (§ 441.043).
When must I return a tenant's security deposit in Missouri?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends: return it in full or furnish a written itemized list of damages for anything withheld (§ 535.300). You may withhold only amounts reasonably necessary under the statute's listed grounds — wrongful withholding makes you liable for twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Is there a cap on late fees in Missouri?
No. Missouri's landlord-tenant chapters (RSMo chs. 441 and 535) are silent on late fees, so the lease controls — the fee should be written into the lease and reasonable, since penalty-like fees risk being unenforceable. There is no statutory grace period either.
How much notice must I give before entering a rental in Missouri?
None is required by statute — RSMo chapters 441 and 535 contain no notice-to-enter provision, so your lease governs entry rights. Giving reasonable written notice remains best practice.
Do I have to let the tenant attend the move-out inspection in Missouri?
Yes. You must give the tenant reasonable written notice of the date and time of the move-out inspection, hold it at a reasonable time, and the tenant has the right to be present (§ 535.300).
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Missouri?
No statutory cap — must be reasonable and written into the lease. Grace period: None statutory — the lease controls; nonpayment opens rent-and-possession remedies (§ 535.010). Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Missouri?
2 months' rent. The deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Missouri?
None statutorily required — the lease governs entry.
Is there rent control in Missouri?
Prohibited statewide — state law also preempts local deposit caps.
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-17. Deposit statute: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300. Late fee statute: None — Mo. Rev. Stat. chs. 441 and 535 are silent on late fees; the lease controls and the fee must be reasonable.
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300 (security deposits)
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.060 (month-to-month termination)
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 482.305 (small claims)
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.043 (rent control preemption)
- Missouri Attorney General — Landlord-Tenant Law
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.
Other states
Montana
No cap
Nebraska
1 month (+ 0.25 month for pets)
Nevada
3 months' rent
New Hampshire
1 month or $100 (whichever is greater)
New Jersey
1.5 months' rent
New Mexico
1 month (leases ≤ 1 year) / no cap (leases > 1 year)
New York
1 month's rent
North Carolina
1.5 months (month-to-month) / 2 months (longer)