☰ Revisor of Missouri

Title XXXVI STATUTORY ACTIONS AND TORTS

Chapter 535

< > Effective - 28 Aug 1983, 3 histories, see footnote (history) bottom

  535.300.  Security deposits, limitation — return of deposit or notice of damages, when — withholding deposit, when — tenant's right to damages — security deposit defined. — 1.  A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit in excess of two months' rent.

  2.  Within thirty days after the date of termination of the tenancy, the landlord shall:

  (1)  Return the full amount of the security deposit; or

  (2)  Furnish to the tenant a written itemized list of the damages for which the security deposit or any portion thereof is withheld, along with the balance of the security deposit.  The landlord shall have complied with this subsection by mailing such statement and any payment to the last known address of the tenant.

  3.  The landlord may withhold from the security deposit only such amounts as are reasonably necessary for the following reasons:

  (1)  To remedy a tenant's default in the payment of rent due to the landlord, pursuant to the rental agreement;

  (2)  To restore the dwelling unit to its condition at the commencement of the tenancy, ordinary wear and tear excepted; or

  (3)  To compensate the landlord for actual damages sustained as a result of the tenant's failure to give adequate notice to terminate the tenancy pursuant to law or the rental agreement; provided that the landlord makes reasonable efforts to mitigate damages.

  4.  The landlord shall give the tenant or his representative reasonable notice in writing at his last known address or in person of the date and time when the landlord will inspect the dwelling unit following the termination of the rental agreement to determine the amount of the security deposit to be withheld, and the inspection shall be held at a reasonable time.  The tenant shall have the right to be present at the inspection of the dwelling unit at the time and date scheduled by the landlord.

  5.  If the landlord wrongfully withholds all or any portion of the security deposit in violation of this section, the tenant shall recover as damages not more than twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

  6.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the right of the landlord to recover actual damages in excess of the security deposit, or to permit a tenant to apply or deduct any portion of the security deposit at any time in lieu of payment of rent.

  7.  As used in this section, the term "security deposit" means any deposit of money or property, however denominated, which is furnished by a tenant to a landlord to secure the performance of any part of the rental agreement, including damages to the dwelling unit.  This term does not include any money or property denominated as a deposit for a pet on the premises.

­­--------

(L. 1983 H.B. 175 § 1)

(2007) Subsection 5 of section allowing award of twice the security deposit for wrongful failure to return deposit does not apply to tenants of commercial property.  PDQ Tower Services, Inc. v. Adams, 213 S.W.3d 697 (Mo.App.W.D.).


---- end of effective  28 Aug 1983 ----

use this link to bookmark section  535.300


 - All versions
Effective End
535.300 8/28/2018
535.300 8/28/2016 8/28/2018
535.300 8/28/1983 8/28/2016

Click here for the Reorganization Act of 1974 - or - Concurrent Resolutions Having Force & Effect of Law
In accordance with Section 3.090, the language of statutory sections enacted during a legislative session are updated and available on this website on the effective date of such enacted statutory section. Revisor Home    

Other Information
 Recent Sections Editorials May Be Cited As Tables & Forms Multiple Enact
Repeal & Transfer Definitions End Report

Site changes Pictures Contact

Other Links
Legislative Research Oversight MOLIS
Library MO WebMasters
Senate
Missouri Senate
State of Missouri
MO.gov
House
Missouri House