Pierce City, MO Security Deposit Laws 2026
Missouri limits security deposits to 2 month's rent. In Pierce City, that's $1,776 at the median 2BR rent of $888/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $1,776+.
In Missouri, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month's rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $1,776 or more.
Key Takeaways — Pierce City Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month's rent = $1,776 at Pierce City's median rent
- Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($1,776)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
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Security Deposit Laws in Pierce City
Under Missouri law, landlords in Pierce City may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month's rent. At Pierce City's median 2-bedroom rent of $888/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $1,776.
$1,776
max deposit (2mo × $888)
30 days
return deadline
$1,776
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Pierce City rental, Missouri law gives you exactly 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
LeaseBase tracks this 30-day deadline automatically for each of your Pierce City properties.
Start free →What you can deduct from a security deposit in Pierce City:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate Missouri security deposit laws rules in Pierce City and you could owe $1,776+. At Pierce City's median rent of $888/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
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LeaseBase calculates deposit limits and tracks return deadlines for each property — so you never trigger penalties.
Start free →How Pierce City Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Pierce City landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Pierce City) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $660/mo | $1,320 | $2,640 |
| 1-Bedroom | $677/mo | $1,354 | $2,708 |
| 2-Bedroom | $888/mo | $1,776 | $3,552 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,169/mo | $2,338 | $4,676 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Lawrence County.
Calculate Your Limits
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More Pierce City Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
