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. Deposit return deadline: 30 days.
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 under 1 year) / no cap (leases of 1 year or more; interest owed on any amount over 1 month)
New York
1 month's rent
North Carolina
1.5 months (month-to-month) / 2 months (longer)