South Gifford, MO Security Deposit Laws 2026
Missouri limits security deposits to 2 month(s) of rent. In South Gifford, that's $1,944 at the median 2BR rent of $972/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $1,944+.
In Missouri, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $1,944 or more.
This applies to properties in South Gifford, MO. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — South Gifford Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month(s) of rent = $1,944 at South Gifford's median rent
- Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($1,944)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in South Gifford
Under Missouri law, landlords in South Gifford may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month(s) of rent. At South Gifford's median 2-bedroom rent of $972/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $1,944.
$1,944
max deposit (2mo × $972)
30 days
return deadline
$1,944
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your South Gifford 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.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in South Gifford:
- 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 South Gifford and you could owe $1,944+. At South Gifford's median rent of $972/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
South Gifford Rental Market Context
South Gifford is the 919th-largest city in Missouri (population 23). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $972/month, it falls in the above-average range for Missouri rental costs — 9% above the state median of $888/month.
How South Gifford Compares in County
South Gifford ranks #239 of 254 cities in County by population. Because security deposit laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 281,754 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Lee's Summit | 104,184 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| O'Fallon | 94,074 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| St. Charles | 71,800 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| St. Joseph | 70,634 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| St. Peters | 59,413 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Wildwood | 34,851 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| University City | 34,096 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Kirkwood | 29,174 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Raytown | 29,097 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Gladstone | 27,329 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Webster Groves | 23,449 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Lake St. Louis | 18,661 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Creve Coeur | 18,457 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
| Manchester | 18,012 | $888/mo | $1,776 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for County, Missouri. All cities follow Missouri state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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How South Gifford Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what South Gifford landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (South Gifford) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $733/mo | $1,466 | $2,932 |
| 1-Bedroom | $776/mo | $1,552 | $3,104 |
| 2-Bedroom | $972/mo | $1,944 | $3,888 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,267/mo | $2,534 | $5,068 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for State Average.
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More South Gifford Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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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.