RSMo § 535.300.1.
After termination of the tenancy.
Landlord gives reasonable notice of date/time.
Statutory damages under § 535.300.6, subject to the facts and court application.
What to preserve
- Lease and deposit receipt.
- Tenancy termination date.
- Written itemized damage list and refund balance.
- Notice of move-out inspection and proof of when it was received.
- Move-in and move-out photos.
- Receipts or invoices for claimed repairs or carpet cleaning.
Missouri separates wear from damage
The statute permits withholding for restoring the unit to its starting condition but expressly excepts ordinary wear and tear. Review age, use, condition and actual work before treating a replacement charge as automatically valid.
Official sources
Current official Missouri statute covering the two-month cap, 30-day return/itemization, permissible withholdings, move-out inspection, carpet-cleaning provision and wrongful-withholding damages.
Missouri Attorney GeneralMissouri Landlord-Tenant Law ↗Official consumer guidance explaining ordinary wear, repairs and Missouri landlord-tenant responsibilities; the linked state publication also summarizes deposit and inspection rules.