Use this security deposit guide to build a clear demand letter for St. Louis.
Understanding Security Deposit Rights in St. Louis, Missouri
When your lease ends in St. Louis, whether you rented an apartment in the Central West End, a historic flat in Soulard, a house in South City, or a unit in one of the many apartment complexes throughout the metropolitan area, you have clear legal rights regarding your security deposit. Missouri law provides specific protections for tenants, requiring landlords to return deposits within defined timeframes and follow proper procedures for any deductions. Unfortunately, many St. Louis tenants lose money they're entitled to because they don't understand these rights or how to enforce them.
Missouri's security deposit statute, Section 535.300 RSMo, establishes the legal framework governing security deposits in the state. This law requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days of lease termination and proper delivery of possession, provides clear rules about what landlords can deduct, requires itemized statements when any amount is withheld, and creates remedies for tenants when landlords violate the law. Understanding these provisions is essential for St. Louis tenants seeking to recover their deposits.
Common security deposit disputes in St. Louis include landlords retaining deposits for normal wear and tear rather than actual damage, failing to provide required itemized statements, exceeding the 30-day return deadline, making deductions for pre-existing conditions that were present when the tenant moved in, charging for routine cleaning or repainting between tenants, and simply failing to return any portion of the deposit without explanation.
A well-crafted demand letter is often the most effective first step in recovering an improperly withheld security deposit. It demonstrates your knowledge of Missouri law, creates a documented record of your claim, and frequently motivates landlords to resolve disputes quickly to avoid the costs and consequences of legal action. Many St. Louis landlords will return deposits promptly upon receiving a professional demand letter that clearly articulates their legal obligations.
This comprehensive guide will explain Missouri's security deposit statute in detail, provide step-by-step instructions for documenting your unit condition, walk you through creating an effective demand letter, identify critical deadlines you must meet, and highlight common mistakes that undermine security deposit claims. Whether your landlord is a large property management company or an individual owner, understanding your rights gives you the power to recover money that rightfully belongs to you.
St. Louis's diverse rental market includes properties managed by large national companies, local property management firms, and individual landlords. Each may present different challenges in security deposit disputes, but Missouri law applies equally to all. The protections and procedures described in this guide apply throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, including St. Louis City and St. Louis County municipalities.
Missouri Security Deposit Laws for St. Louis Tenants
Missouri's primary security deposit statute is Section 535.300 RSMo, which establishes the legal framework for security deposit handling in the state. This statute applies to all residential rentals in Missouri, including St. Louis City and County, and provides important protections for tenants seeking return of their deposits.
Under Section 535.300 RSMo, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession of the premises. This 30-day period begins when both conditions are met: the lease has ended and the tenant has vacated and returned keys or otherwise surrendered possession. The deadline is calculated from the later of these two events.
If the landlord withholds any portion of the security deposit, Section 535.300.2 RSMo requires the landlord to provide the tenant with an itemized list of damages within those same 30 days. This itemized statement must describe the specific damages claimed and the dollar amounts withheld for each item. The statement must be delivered to the tenant's last known address or the address provided by the tenant for this purpose.
Missouri law limits what landlords may deduct from security deposits. Permissible deductions include unpaid rent, actual damages to the property beyond normal wear and tear caused by the tenant, and costs to repair damage caused by the tenant's failure to maintain the property as required by the lease. Landlords cannot charge for normal wear and tear, which includes the natural deterioration that occurs through ordinary use over time.
The distinction between normal wear and tear and actual damage is crucial in security deposit disputes. Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs and scratches on walls or floors, faded paint, worn carpet in traffic areas, minor nail holes from hanging pictures, and gradual deterioration of appliances through normal use. Actual damage includes holes in walls, broken fixtures, stains from spills or pets, burns, and destruction beyond what would occur through reasonable use.
Section 535.300.3 RSMo provides remedies when landlords violate the security deposit law. If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit, the tenant may recover the amount wrongfully withheld. Additionally, if the landlord fails to provide the required itemized statement within 30 days, the landlord forfeits any right to withhold any portion of the deposit for damages, regardless of actual damages that may exist.
Missouri courts have interpreted Section 535.300 RSMo to require strict compliance by landlords. Failure to provide a timely itemized statement results in forfeiture of the right to claim any deductions, even if the landlord could otherwise prove actual damages. This provision creates significant incentive for landlords to follow proper procedures.
Missouri does not set a maximum limit on security deposit amounts, and landlords are not required to pay interest on security deposits. However, the deposit remains the tenant's money throughout the tenancy, and the landlord holds it in trust for return at the end of the lease.
For tenants who must pursue legal action, Missouri's statute of limitations for contract claims is five years under Section 516.120 RSMo. Security deposit claims can be brought in Associate Circuit Court (small claims) for amounts up to $5,000, which covers most deposit disputes. Filing fees are modest, and the small claims process is designed for self-represented litigants.
The Missouri Attorney General's office has authority to address patterns of security deposit violations as unfair practices under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. While the Attorney General cannot typically resolve individual disputes, complaints about landlords who systematically violate security deposit laws may contribute to enforcement actions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Security Deposit Demand Letters in St. Louis
Your security deposit claim begins the day you move in. Before unpacking, photograph and video the entire unit documenting existing conditions. Capture any damage, wear, stains, or issues that already exist. Take wide-angle shots of each room and close-ups of specific problems. Create a written move-in checklist noting all conditions. If your landlord provides a move-in inspection form, complete it thoroughly and keep a signed copy. This documentation proves which conditions existed before your tenancy and prevents the landlord from blaming you for pre-existing issues.
Keep records of your tenancy that may be relevant to security deposit disputes. Save copies of your lease agreement, all rent payment records, correspondence with the landlord about maintenance and repairs, and documentation of any damage that occurred and how it was addressed. If the landlord makes repairs during your tenancy, photograph the results. This ongoing documentation supports your position if disputes arise.
Before vacating, thoroughly document the unit's condition. Take comprehensive photographs and video of every room, all appliances, walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, and any areas where the landlord might claim damage. Compare your move-out photos with your move-in documentation to show the unit's condition has not substantially changed beyond normal wear. Clean the unit thoroughly and document that you have done so.
Give proper notice of your intent to vacate as required by your lease. When you move out, provide your landlord with a written forwarding address for return of your security deposit. Send this forwarding address via certified mail with return receipt requested to create proof of delivery. Under Missouri law, the landlord must send any deposit return or itemized statement to this address.
If your landlord offers a move-out inspection, attend and participate. Document the inspection, including any claims the landlord makes about damage. If you disagree with the landlord's assessment, note your objections and reference your move-in documentation showing pre-existing conditions. Ask for a copy of any written inspection report. If the landlord doesn't offer an inspection, your own move-out documentation serves as your record of conditions.
After you vacate and deliver possession (return keys, etc.), the landlord has exactly 30 days under Section 535.300 RSMo to either return your full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions along with any remaining deposit. Mark the 30-day deadline on your calendar. If the landlord fails to act within 30 days, they may forfeit the right to withhold any portion of the deposit.
If you receive an itemized statement with deductions, review it critically. Compare claimed damages against your move-in and move-out documentation. Identify any charges for normal wear and tear, pre-existing conditions, or amounts that seem excessive. Note if the statement was received within the 30-day deadline. Document any problems with the landlord's claims.
Determine the total amount you're entitled to recover. If the landlord failed to provide a timely itemized statement, you may be entitled to the entire deposit. If the landlord made improper deductions, calculate the difference between what was returned and what should have been returned. Consider whether any deductions are legitimate based on your documentation.
Prepare a professional demand letter that includes your name and forwarding address; the landlord's legal name and address; the property address you rented; dates of your tenancy; the security deposit amount paid; what you received back (if anything); specific objections to any improper deductions, citing your documentation; reference to Section 535.300 RSMo and the landlord's legal obligations; your demand for specific dollar amount; a deadline for payment (typically 14-21 days); and consequences of non-compliance.
Identify the legal owner of the property and send your demand to that entity. This may be different from the property manager. Search the Missouri Secretary of State database for registered business information. For St. Louis City properties, you can also search the City Assessor's records for ownership information. Address your demand to the legal owner at their registered address.
Send your demand letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This provides proof of mailing and delivery. Keep the green card return receipt with your records. You may also send a copy via email if you have the landlord's email address, but certified mail remains the primary method for legal purposes.
If the landlord does not respond or refuses to pay by your deadline, proceed with escalation. File a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. Consider filing in Missouri small claims court (Associate Circuit Court) for amounts up to $5,000. Gather all your documentation for court, including your demand letter, proof of mailing, move-in and move-out documentation, lease agreement, and any communications with the landlord.
Evidence Checklist for Security Deposit Claims in St. Louis
Lease Agreement: Your lease is the foundational document for any security deposit dispute. It establishes the terms of your tenancy, the deposit amount, and any provisions regarding deposit return or deductions. Keep your original signed lease and any amendments. Note specific provisions about cleaning requirements, condition expectations, and deposit procedures. The lease may also identify the correct legal entity to send demands to.
Security Deposit Payment Proof: Document how and when you paid your security deposit. Keep copies of canceled checks, bank statements showing the payment, money order receipts, or any receipt the landlord provided. This establishes the amount you paid and proves the landlord received it. If your deposit was paid in cash, any written receipt becomes especially important.
Move-In Condition Documentation: Comprehensive documentation of the unit's condition when you moved in is perhaps your most important evidence. This includes photographs and videos of every room, walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, fixtures, and any existing damage or wear; a written move-in checklist noting all conditions; and any move-in inspection form provided by the landlord with your notations. Take photos from multiple angles and include close-ups of any existing problems. Store this documentation securely throughout your tenancy.
Move-Out Condition Documentation: Before vacating, create equally comprehensive documentation of the unit's condition. Photograph and video everything, taking care to capture the same areas and angles as your move-in documentation for easy comparison. Document that you cleaned the unit thoroughly. Take photos of appliances, inside cabinets and closets, and all surfaces. This proves the condition in which you left the property.
Communication Records: Save all communications with your landlord throughout your tenancy and regarding the security deposit. This includes emails, text messages, letters, and notes from phone conversations. Communications about repairs, maintenance, damage, and the move-out process may all be relevant. After moving out, document all communications about the deposit return.
Forwarding Address Notice: Keep proof that you provided your forwarding address to the landlord. Send this via certified mail and retain the return receipt. Under Missouri law, the landlord must send any deposit return or itemized statement to the address you provide. Failure to provide an address doesn't excuse the landlord's obligations, but providing one clearly establishes where they should send your deposit.
Itemized Statement from Landlord: If the landlord provided an itemized statement of deductions, keep the original along with the envelope showing the postmark date. Note when you received it relative to the 30-day deadline. Review each item claimed and compare against your documentation. Note any items that appear to be normal wear and tear or pre-existing conditions.
Rent Payment Records: Keep records showing you paid rent throughout your tenancy. Bank statements, canceled checks, and money order receipts prove you fulfilled your rental obligations. If the landlord claims unpaid rent as a deduction, these records can refute that claim.
Repair and Maintenance Records: If repairs were made during your tenancy, keep any documentation. This might include work orders, receipts, correspondence about maintenance issues, and photos showing completed repairs. This can help establish that certain damage was addressed during your tenancy rather than leaving you responsible at move-out.
Utility Transfer Records: Documentation showing you transferred or terminated utilities at the end of your tenancy can help establish your move-out date. Keep final utility bills and transfer confirmations.
Witness Information: If anyone accompanied you during move-in or move-out inspections, or observed the unit's condition, collect their contact information. Witness testimony can corroborate your documentation if the matter proceeds to court. This might include friends who helped you move, professional movers, or other tenants.
Comparable Repair Costs: If the landlord claims excessive charges for damage you acknowledge causing, research reasonable repair costs. Obtain estimates from local contractors or research standard costs for specific repairs. This can help you dispute inflated charges while acknowledging legitimate damage.
Critical Deadlines for Security Deposit Claims in Missouri
30-Day Return Deadline: Under Section 535.300 RSMo, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession of the premises. This 30-day period is strictly enforced by Missouri courts. The deadline begins when both conditions are satisfied: the lease has ended (by its terms or proper termination) and the tenant has vacated and surrendered possession (returned keys, removed belongings, etc.).
Itemized Statement Deadline: If the landlord intends to withhold any portion of the security deposit, they must provide an itemized list of damages within the same 30-day period. The statement must specify each item of damage and the amount deducted for each. This statement must be sent to the tenant's last known address or the forwarding address provided by the tenant. Failure to provide a timely itemized statement results in forfeiture of the right to withhold any amount.
Forfeiture Consequence: Missouri courts have interpreted Section 535.300 RSMo strictly. If a landlord fails to provide the required itemized statement within 30 days, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion of the deposit, even if actual damage exists. This powerful remedy incentivizes landlord compliance with the statute. Tenants should note whether they received a timely itemized statement as this may determine their claim.
Demand Letter Response Period: After sending a demand letter, allow the landlord 14 to 21 days to respond. This is not a statutory requirement but provides a reasonable opportunity for voluntary compliance before escalating to legal action. Shorter deadlines may appear unreasonable, while longer deadlines delay your recovery. Set a specific date and make clear that you will pursue legal action if the deadline is not met.
Small Claims Court Filing: Missouri's Associate Circuit Courts handle small claims up to $5,000, covering most security deposit disputes. You can file a claim at any time before the statute of limitations expires. The five-year statute of limitations under Section 516.120 RSMo applies to contract claims including security deposit disputes. However, filing promptly after the landlord fails to return your deposit preserves evidence and demonstrates the seriousness of your claim.
Court Hearing Timeline: After filing in small claims court, you'll receive a hearing date, typically within 30 to 60 days depending on court schedules. St. Louis City and County courts may have different timeframes. Be prepared to present your case on the scheduled date with all documentation organized.
Document Retention: Keep all documentation related to your tenancy and security deposit claim for at least five years after the dispute is resolved. This protects you if issues arise later and ensures you can prove your case if needed. Store both physical copies and digital backups of important documents.
Move-In Documentation Timing: Create your move-in documentation before unpacking and ideally within the first 24 hours of taking possession. This timing ensures you capture the unit's condition before your occupancy could have caused any changes. The sooner you document, the stronger your evidence.
Move-Out Documentation Timing: Create move-out documentation after completing all cleaning and removing all belongings, but before surrendering keys. This captures the final condition you left the unit in. Take your time to be thorough, as this documentation directly supports your deposit claim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in St. Louis Security Deposit Claims
Failing to Document Move-In Condition: The most damaging mistake is not thoroughly documenting the unit's condition when you move in. Without move-in photos and checklists, you cannot prove that conditions the landlord claims as damage actually existed before your tenancy. Even if you're excited about your new place, take time before unpacking to photograph everything, especially any existing damage, wear, or issues.
Not Providing a Forwarding Address in Writing: Many tenants verbally tell their landlord where to send the deposit but don't provide a written forwarding address. Send your forwarding address via certified mail to create proof of delivery. This ensures the landlord cannot claim they didn't know where to send your deposit and establishes the address for the itemized statement requirement.
Missing the Significance of the 30-Day Deadline: Some tenants don't realize that the 30-day deadline is strictly enforced and that landlord failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the right to withhold any amount. Track the 30-day deadline carefully from the date you vacated and surrendered possession. If the deadline passes without proper compliance, this significantly strengthens your claim.
Accepting Normal Wear and Tear Deductions: Missouri law prohibits landlords from charging for normal wear and tear. Many tenants accept deductions for items like minor scuffs, faded paint, worn carpet, or ordinary aging of appliances without realizing these are impermissible charges. Understand the distinction between normal wear and actual damage, and dispute inappropriate deductions.
Not Cleaning Thoroughly Before Move-Out: While excessive cleaning charges may be disputed, failing to clean the unit provides landlords with legitimate grounds for deductions. Clean the unit thoroughly, including appliances, cabinets, bathrooms, and windows. Document your cleaning with photos. A clean unit reduces opportunities for landlord claims.
Sending Demands to the Wrong Entity: Many tenants send demand letters to property managers or maintenance staff rather than the legal property owner. Identify the correct legal entity through the Missouri Secretary of State business database or St. Louis City/County property records. Send your demand to the registered owner or their registered agent.
Making Demands Without Specific Legal References: Demand letters that simply ask for the deposit back without citing Missouri law are less effective. Reference Section 535.300 RSMo specifically, including the 30-day deadline, itemized statement requirement, and forfeiture provision. Demonstrating legal knowledge encourages landlord compliance.
Accepting Partial Payment Without Preserving Rights: If a landlord offers partial return of your deposit, accepting the payment could be interpreted as settling the dispute unless you clearly preserve your right to claim the remainder. If you accept partial payment, include a written statement that you are accepting it as partial payment only and reserve all rights to pursue the remaining amount owed.
Failing to Keep Copies of Documentation: Some tenants send original photos, receipts, or other evidence to landlords without keeping copies. Always keep copies of everything you send. Create digital backups of photos and important documents. Never surrender your only copy of any evidence.
Not Filing in Court When Landlords Refuse to Pay: Many tenants give up when landlords ignore demand letters or refuse to pay. Missouri small claims court provides an accessible remedy for security deposit disputes up to $5,000. Filing fees are modest, and the process is designed for self-represented parties. Don't let landlords keep your money simply because you didn't pursue your legal remedies.
Waiting Too Long to Act: While the statute of limitations is five years, waiting too long to pursue your deposit weakens your claim. Evidence becomes harder to locate, witnesses' memories fade, and landlords may become harder to contact. Begin the recovery process promptly after the 30-day deadline passes without proper return of your deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Security Deposits in St. Louis
Under Section 535.300 RSMo, your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after your tenancy ends and you deliver possession of the premises (return keys, vacate completely). If the landlord withholds any portion, they must provide an itemized list of damages within this same 30-day period. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in forfeiture of the right to withhold any amount, regardless of actual damages.
If your landlord fails to provide a timely itemized statement of damages within 30 days as required by Section 535.300 RSMo, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion of your security deposit. This means you may be entitled to the full deposit amount even if actual damage exists. Missouri courts strictly enforce this requirement. Document when you received any statement relative to the 30-day deadline.
Landlords can only deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear includes minor scuffs on walls, faded paint, and gradual carpet wear in traffic areas. If you left walls with significant damage (large holes, stains, drawings) or carpet with stains or damage beyond normal use, deductions may be appropriate. Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants is typically the landlord's responsibility, not a proper deposit deduction.
Missouri Associate Circuit Courts (small claims division) handle claims up to $5,000, which covers most security deposit disputes. If your claim exceeds $5,000, you can reduce it to fit within the limit or file in regular Circuit Court for larger amounts. St. Louis City civil courts are located at 10 North Tucker Boulevard. St. Louis County Circuit Court is at 105 South Central Avenue in Clayton. Filing fees are modest and the process is designed for self-representation.
Most security deposit claims can be handled without an attorney, especially in small claims court which is designed for self-represented parties. This guide provides the information you need to write an effective demand letter and pursue your claim. However, consider consulting an attorney for complex disputes, cases involving significant amounts, or if your landlord has legal representation. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri provides free assistance to qualifying tenants.
If your landlord claims damages exceeding your deposit, you have the right to dispute those claims. Request documentation of the alleged damages and costs. Compare against your move-in and move-out photos. Dispute charges for normal wear and tear or pre-existing conditions. If the landlord sues you for additional amounts, defend yourself by presenting your documentation showing the unit's condition. Counterclaim for any deposit amount wrongfully withheld.
Missouri law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Your landlord must return the deposit amount you paid, but is not required to add interest earned during your tenancy. There is also no state limit on security deposit amounts in Missouri, though your lease specifies what you paid.
If your landlord has disappeared or changed addresses, try several approaches. Search Missouri Secretary of State records for registered business addresses. Check St. Louis City or County property records for ownership information. Search court records for any litigation involving the landlord. If you locate an address, send your demand via certified mail. If you must file suit and cannot locate the landlord, Missouri law provides for service by publication in some circumstances. Consult with an attorney about proper procedures.
What to Expect When Resolving Security Deposit Disputes in St. Louis
Settlement expectations for security deposit disputes in St. Louis depend on the strength of your documentation, the clarity of the landlord's violations, and the landlord's willingness to resolve matters without litigation. Understanding realistic outcomes helps you evaluate any settlement offers and make informed decisions about whether to accept, negotiate, or proceed to court.
For clear-cut cases where the landlord failed to return the deposit or provide a timely itemized statement within 30 days, you have strong legal grounds under Section 535.300 RSMo. Missouri courts strictly enforce the 30-day deadline and the forfeiture provision. A well-documented demand letter citing these provisions often produces prompt results, as landlords recognize their legal exposure.
When landlords made improper deductions for normal wear and tear or pre-existing conditions, outcomes depend heavily on your documentation. If you have comprehensive move-in photos showing conditions existed before your tenancy, you can effectively rebut landlord claims. Landlords facing such evidence often settle rather than defend indefensible positions in court. Without documentation, disputes become more contested.
The amount you can realistically expect depends on your specific situation. If the landlord violated the 30-day deadline or itemized statement requirement, you may be entitled to the entire deposit regardless of any actual damage. If the landlord followed proper procedures but made some improper deductions, expect to recover the improperly withheld amounts. Settlement negotiations often involve compromise on disputed items.
Negotiation dynamics vary by landlord type. Large property management companies may have standardized settlement processes and may respond quickly to avoid litigation costs. Individual landlords may be more unpredictable, ranging from quick settlement to stubborn resistance. Some landlords simply hope tenants won't pursue claims, making a persistent approach necessary.
When evaluating settlement offers, consider the strength of your evidence, the amount at stake, the time and effort of court proceedings, and any legitimate deductions you might owe. A settlement for 80% of your claim received promptly may be preferable to a contested court battle for 100%. However, don't accept inadequate offers just to avoid conflict.
If settlement negotiations fail, Missouri small claims court provides an accessible remedy. The process is designed for self-represented parties, filing fees are modest, and hearings are typically straightforward presentations of evidence. Judges regularly handle security deposit cases and apply Missouri law consistently. Come prepared with organized documentation to present your case effectively.
Document all settlement negotiations in writing. If you reach an agreement, confirm the terms in writing before accepting payment. The agreement should specify the amount to be paid, payment method, and timeline. Get confirmation that the payment resolves all claims between the parties or explicitly preserve additional claims if applicable.
St. Louis Security Deposit Resources and Contacts
Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection Division: Handles complaints about landlord practices including security deposit violations. While they may not resolve individual disputes, complaints help identify patterns of violations for enforcement action.
Phone: (573) 751-3321
Toll-free: (800) 392-8222
Website: ago.mo.gov/civil-division/consumer
Address: Supreme Court Building, 207 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
St. Louis City Circuit Court - Civil Courts Building: Handles civil matters including security deposit lawsuits. The Associate Circuit Court division handles small claims up to $5,000.
Phone: (314) 622-4405
Address: 10 North Tucker Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63101
Website: stlcitycircuitcourt.com
St. Louis County Circuit Court: Handles civil matters for St. Louis County residents. Small claims up to $5,000 are processed through the Associate Circuit Court division.
Phone: (314) 615-2560
Address: 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
Website: stlouisco.com/lawandpublicsafety/circuitcourt
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: Provides free legal assistance to income-eligible tenants for housing matters including security deposit disputes.
Phone: (314) 534-4200
Toll-free: (800) 444-0514
Address: 4232 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108
Website: lsem.org
Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council (EHOC): Provides housing counseling and advocacy for tenants facing housing problems.
Phone: (314) 534-5800
Address: 1027 South Vandeventer Avenue, 6th Floor, St. Louis, MO 63110
Website: ehocstl.org
Missouri Secretary of State Business Search: Search for landlord business registration information, registered agent addresses, and correct legal entity names.
Website: sos.mo.gov/business
St. Louis City Assessor: Search property ownership records for St. Louis City properties to identify legal property owners.
Phone: (314) 622-4181
Address: 1200 Market Street, Room 120, St. Louis, MO 63103
Website: stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/assessor
St. Louis County Assessor: Search property ownership records for St. Louis County properties.
Phone: (314) 615-5500
Address: 41 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105
Website: stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/revenue/assessor
St. Louis Mediation Project: Offers free mediation services for landlord-tenant disputes as an alternative to litigation.
Phone: (314) 664-8466
Website: stlmediationproject.org
St. Louis Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: Provides referrals to attorneys who handle landlord-tenant matters including security deposit disputes.
Phone: (314) 621-6681
Website: stlbar.com
Better Business Bureau of Eastern Missouri: Maintains records of business complaints and may assist with dispute resolution for landlord-tenant issues.
Phone: (314) 645-3300
Website: bbb.org/us/mo/saint-louis
The Rules They Don't Want You to Know
The Clock is Your Weapon
Most states give landlords 21-30 days to return your deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. Know your state's deadline.
Document Everything
Photos, videos, inspection reports – evidence is king. Got proof? Use it.
Make Them Show Their Math
They can't just pocket your cash. Demand itemized deductions. No receipts? Demand a full refund.
The Security Deposit Power Play
Many states allow for double or triple damages for bad faith retention. Know the law, and don't be afraid to use it.
Missouri Security Deposit Laws
Applicable Laws
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300
Small Claims Limit
$5,000
Consumer Protection Agency
Missouri Attorney General Consumer Protection
Security Deposit Real Talk
When do I send my demand letter?
Day after their legal deadline expires. Not a day later. They're banking on your hesitation.
What if they ghost me?
That's when it gets interesting. Document everything and head to small claims court. The judge won't be impressed by their silence.
What's normal wear and tear?
Minor scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint, worn carpet in traffic areas. Not normal: holes in walls, stains, broken fixtures, or pet damage.
Can they deduct for professional cleaning?
Only if you left the place dirtier than when you moved in. Normal cleaning isn't your responsibility if you left it reasonably clean.
What if I didn't do a move-in inspection?
Makes it harder to dispute pre-existing damage, but not impossible. Photos from online listings, previous tenant testimony, or property age can help.
How much can I sue for?
The deposit amount plus penalties. Many states award 2x or 3x damages for bad faith retention, plus court costs and sometimes attorney fees.
What if my landlord sold the property?
The new owner typically inherits deposit obligations. Both old and new owners may be liable. Check your state's transfer requirements.
About FreeDemandLetter
FreeDemandLetter provides free, AI-powered demand letter generation with location-specific legal citations. Our content is reviewed by subject matter specialists and regularly updated to reflect current laws. We help thousands of people resolve disputes effectively—but we're not lawyers, and this isn't legal advice. For complex situations, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
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