Missouri Security Deposit Demand Letter (RSMo § 535.300)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under RSMo § 535.300, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written itemized list of any damages withheld, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date].
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Missouri
Missouri landlords must return a security deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Before returning it, the landlord may deduct unpaid rent, the cost of restoring the unit to its move-in condition apart from ordinary wear and tear, and actual losses caused when a tenant fails to give proper notice of moving out. A landlord can't collect a deposit of more than two months' rent.
If the landlord keeps any part of the deposit, they must give the tenant a written, itemized list of the damages along with the balance. Mailing these to the tenant's last known address is enough, so give your landlord a forwarding address in writing. Landlords must also give reasonable notice of the move-out inspection, and tenants have the right to be there.
A tenant who shows that the landlord wrongfully kept any part of the deposit can recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Because the right to attend the inspection is written into the statute, it is worth asking for the date and time in writing and bringing your own photos and notes to compare against the landlord's list.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Missouri's own deadline under RSMo § 535.300 is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Missouri limit: $5,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Missouri, the rules are set out in Missouri Revised Statutes § 535.300. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Missouri the limit is $5,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Missouri security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under RSMo § 535.300, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written itemized list of any damages withheld, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was September 30, 2026.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Missouri landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the full deposit, or send an itemized list of the damages being withheld together with the remaining balance, to your last known address.
Can I be at the move-out inspection in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri landlords must give reasonable notice, in writing or in person, of the date and time of the inspection, and the tenant has the right to be present. Bring photos and notes so you can point out the unit's condition.
What penalty does Missouri impose for wrongful withholding?
If a court finds the landlord wrongfully kept part of the deposit, the tenant recovers twice the amount wrongfully withheld. That is why it helps to keep the lease, move-in and move-out photos, and copies of every letter.
What is the small claims limit in Missouri?
Missouri small claims court hears cases up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. Bring your lease, photos, the landlord's itemized list if you received one, and a copy of this letter with your proof of mailing.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.