Missouri (MO) law guide
Quick answer
Missouri caps security deposits at 2 months' rent and requires landlords to return them within 30 days of move-out. There is no statewide rent control, and landlords can file for eviction for nonpayment with no mandatory written notice period before going to court, though most give 10 days as a courtesy. Landlord entry requires reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) except in emergencies.
Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rent (RSMo 535.300)
Deposit Return Deadline
30 days after move-out
Statewide Rent Control
None
Nonpayment Eviction Notice
No statutory minimum; 10 days is common practice
Missouri rental market snapshot
Population
6,270,541
Renter households
32%
Median rent
$1,297/mo (2BR statewide average)
Largest rental markets
Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence
Missouri ranks among the 4 most affordable rental markets in the US, with a statewide average rent of roughly $1,118/month. Kansas City and St. Louis metro rents run higher, making deposit and eviction rules especially consequential for renters in those markets.
Missouri limits security deposits to 2 months' rent under RSMo 535.300. Deposits must be held in a federally insured bank, credit union, or depository institution.
Landlords have 30 days after the tenancy ends to either return the full deposit or send a written itemized list of deductions with any remaining balance. Miss that deadline and the tenant can sue for double the amount wrongfully withheld.
Missouri has no statewide rent control law, so landlords can raise rent by any amount. For month-to-month tenants, 30 days' written notice is standard before a rent increase takes effect.
Missouri statutes do not set a mandatory grace period for late rent, so check your lease. Late fees are enforceable if the amount is stated in the lease and is reasonable.
For nonpayment of rent, Missouri law does not require a landlord to give any written notice before filing an eviction lawsuit. In practice, most landlords send a 10-day pay-or-quit notice as a courtesy. For lease violations other than nonpayment, landlords typically give the tenant written notice and a chance to cure before filing.
Once filed, Missouri eviction cases move quickly. A court hearing is usually set within 10 to 21 days. If the court rules for the landlord, the tenant typically has a few days to vacate before a writ of possession is issued.
Missouri does not have a specific statute requiring a set number of hours' notice before entry, but 24 hours' notice is the widely accepted standard for non-emergency entry. Landlords may enter without notice in genuine emergencies.
For habitability repairs, landlords must act within a reasonable time after receiving written notice. Under RSMo 441.234, if the repair costs less than $300 (or half of one month's rent, whichever is greater) and the landlord fails to fix the problem within 14 days of written notice, the tenant can hire someone and deduct the cost from rent.
Missouri landlords must keep rental units fit for habitation: working heat, plumbing, and structural safety are required. Failure to maintain habitability can be grounds for tenant remedies under RSMo 441.234.
Missouri law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report code violations or exercise their legal rights. A landlord who raises rent, reduces services, or threatens eviction within a reasonable time of a tenant's complaint may be found to have retaliated.
Missouri landlords must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Missouri's Human Rights Act adds additional protections.
Month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with 30 days' written notice by either party. Tenants breaking a fixed-term lease early may owe the remaining rent, but landlords have a duty to mitigate by attempting to re-rent. Missouri small claims court handles disputes up to $5,000.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: RSMo Title XXIX, Chapters 441 and 535. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Missouri FAQ
**30 days** after the tenancy ends. The landlord must either return the full deposit or send a written itemized list of deductions with any remaining balance. If the landlord misses this deadline, the tenant can sue to recover **double the amount** wrongfully withheld.
Yes. Missouri has **no statewide rent control law**, so there is no cap on how much rent can be increased. For month-to-month tenants, **30 days' written notice** before the increase takes effect is the accepted standard.
Missouri does not have a specific statute, but **24 hours is the widely accepted standard** for non-emergency entry. In a genuine emergency, a landlord may enter without any prior notice.
Missouri does not require a mandatory written notice period before filing for eviction for nonpayment. After filing, a hearing is typically scheduled within **10 to 21 days**. If the landlord wins, a writ of possession can follow within a few days, making the full process as short as **3 to 5 weeks** from filing.
Landlords may only deduct for **unpaid rent**, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and agreed-upon carpet cleaning costs. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged to the tenant. Any deduction must be itemized in writing and sent within **30 days** of move-out.
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