Missouri Small Claims Court for a Security Deposit
Limits: $5,000 (statewide small claims only). Court: Small Claims Division of the Circuit Court. Limitation period listed in our state data: 5 years. Filing fees vary by county; service costs may be extra. See the table. E-filing verified in 0/115 counties. Typical demand-letter response window: 30 days.
County court coverage and fees
115 listed counties · E-filing: Yes 0, No 5, Not verified 110
Deposit return deadlines
- 30 calendar days after the date of termination of the tenancy.
- 30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy. when carpet-cleaning costs are withheld under a lease clause allowing carpet cleaning charges; landlord must provide a receipt for actual carpet cleaning costs within 30 days of end of tenancy.
From a letter to court
- Send a Missouri security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 30 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in Missouri: 5 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Varies by county
Attorneys allowed: Yes
Free Missouri template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Missouri law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days after the date of termination of the tenancy.
Key facts
| Small claims limit | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) |
|---|---|
| Court | Small Claims Division of the Circuit Court |
| Limitation period listed in our state data | 5 years |
| Bad faith required | No |
| Itemization required | Yes |
What you can recover
if landlord wrongfully withholds all or any portion of the deposit, tenant recovers twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Bad faith required: No.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis County | St. Louis County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Clayton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | County filing fee: $20.50 filing fee; certified-mail or sheriff service is extra | No | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Jackson County | 16th Judicial Circuit Court - Small Claims, Kansas City and Independence | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | County filing fee: $27.50 filing fee; service is extra | No | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| St. Charles County | 11th Judicial Circuit Court - Small Claims, St. Charles | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | County filing fee: $20.50 filing fee; service is extra | No | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Greene County | 31st Judicial Circuit Court - Small Claims, Springfield | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | County filing fee: $35.50 filing fee; service is extra | No | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Clay County | 7th Judicial Circuit Court - Small Claims, Liberty | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | County filing fee: $20.50 filing fee; $10 certified-mail or $50 sheriff service for one defendant is extra | No | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| St. Louis City | St. Louis City Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Clayton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Jefferson County | Jefferson County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Hillsboro | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Boone County | Boone County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Columbia | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Jasper County | Jasper County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Carthage | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Cass County | Cass County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Harrisonville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Platte County | Platte County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Platte City | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Franklin County | Franklin County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Union | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Christian County | Christian County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Ozark | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Cape Girardeau County | Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Jackson | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Buchanan County | Buchanan County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Saint Joseph | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Cole County | Cole County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Jefferson City | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| St. Francois County | St. Francois County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Farmington | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Lincoln County | Lincoln County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Troy | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Newton County | Newton County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Neosho | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Taney County | Taney County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Forsyth | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Johnson County | Johnson County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Warrensburg | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Pulaski County | Pulaski County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Waynesville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Phelps County | Phelps County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Rolla | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Callaway County | Callaway County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Fulton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Camden County | Camden County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Camdenton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Pettis County | Pettis County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Sedalia | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Webster County | Webster County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Marshfield | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Butler County | Butler County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Poplar Bluff | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Howell County | Howell County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, West Plains | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Lawrence County | Lawrence County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Mount Vernon | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Warren County | Warren County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Warrenton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Scott County | Scott County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Benton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Laclede County | Laclede County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Lebanon | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Barry County | Barry County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Cassville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Lafayette County | Lafayette County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Lexington | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Polk County | Polk County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Bolivar | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Stone County | Stone County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Galena | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Stoddard County | Stoddard County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Bloomfield | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Marion County | Marion County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Palmyra | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Dunklin County | Dunklin County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Kennett | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Texas County | Texas County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Houston | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Miller County | Miller County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Tuscumbia | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Adair County | Adair County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Kirksville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Audrain County | Audrain County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Mexico | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Randolph County | Randolph County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Huntsville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| McDonald County | McDonald County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Pineville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Washington County | Washington County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Potosi | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Saline County | Saline County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Marshall | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Ray County | Ray County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Richmond | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Crawford County | Crawford County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Steelville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Henry County | Henry County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Clinton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Morgan County | Morgan County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Versailles | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Clinton County | Clinton County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Plattsburg | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Benton County | Benton County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Warsaw | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Nodaway County | Nodaway County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Maryville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Vernon County | Vernon County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Nevada | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Wright County | Wright County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Hartville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Perry County | Perry County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Perryville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Ste. Genevieve County | Ste. Genevieve County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Ste. Genevieve | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Andrew County | Andrew County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Savannah | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Pike County | Pike County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Bowling Green | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Dallas County | Dallas County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Buffalo | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Cooper County | Cooper County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Boonville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Bates County | Bates County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Butler | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Moniteau County | Moniteau County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, California | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| New Madrid County | New Madrid County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, New Madrid | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Macon County | Macon County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Macon | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Cedar County | Cedar County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Stockton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Dent County | Dent County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Salem | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Livingston County | Livingston County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Chillicothe | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Gasconade County | Gasconade County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Hermann | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Pemiscot County | Pemiscot County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Caruthersville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Osage County | Osage County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Linn | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Madison County | Madison County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Fredericktown | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Douglas County | Douglas County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Ava | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Linn County | Linn County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Linneus | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Mississippi County | Mississippi County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Charleston | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Barton County | Barton County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Lamar | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Montgomery County | Montgomery County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Montgomery City | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Wayne County | Wayne County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Greenville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Ripley County | Ripley County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Doniphan | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Bollinger County | Bollinger County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Marble Hill | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Ralls County | Ralls County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, New London | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Howard County | Howard County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Fayette | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| DeKalb County | DeKalb County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Maysville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Lewis County | Lewis County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Monticello | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| St. Clair County | St. Clair County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Osceola | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Grundy County | Grundy County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Trenton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Iron County | Iron County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Ironton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Ozark County | Ozark County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Gainesville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Caldwell County | Caldwell County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Kingston | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Monroe County | Monroe County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Paris | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Hickory County | Hickory County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Hermitage | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Oregon County | Oregon County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Alton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Daviess County | Daviess County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Gallatin | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Maries County | Maries County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Vienna | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Carroll County | Carroll County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Carrollton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Harrison County | Harrison County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Bethany | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Dade County | Dade County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Greenfield | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Chariton County | Chariton County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Keytesville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Shannon County | Shannon County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Eminence | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Clark County | Clark County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Kahoka | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Gentry County | Gentry County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Albany | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Reynolds County | Reynolds County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Centerville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Shelby County | Shelby County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Shelbyville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Sullivan County | Sullivan County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Milan | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Carter County | Carter County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Van Buren | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Atchison County | Atchison County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Rock Port | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Scotland County | Scotland County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Memphis | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Putnam County | Putnam County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Unionville | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Holt County | Holt County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Oregon | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Schuyler County | Schuyler County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Lancaster | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Knox County | Knox County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Edina | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Mercer County | Mercer County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Princeton | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Worth County | Worth County Circuit Court - Small Claims Division, Grant City | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
Detailed guides for 115 counties
- St. Louis County
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- Atchison County
- Scotland County
- Putnam County
- Holt County
- Schuyler County
- Knox County
- Mercer County
- Worth County
Statute says
If the landlord wrongfully withholds all or any portion of the security deposit in violation of this section, the tenant shall recover as damages twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
What this means
Tenant resources
- Legal Services of Eastern Missouri - housing lawlegal aid in St. Louis
- Legal Aid of Western Missouri - apply for legal helplegal aid in Kansas City
- KC Tenantstenant union in Kansas City
- Missouri Attorney General - Landlord-Tenant Law guideag consumer
- Missouri Courts - Small Claims Court Handbookcourt self help
FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Missouri?
$5,000 (statewide small claims only)
What is the statute of limitations?
Limitation period listed in our state data: 5 years.
Can I recover more than my deposit?
if landlord wrongfully withholds all or any portion of the deposit, tenant recovers twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Bad faith required: No.
Which court handles the claim?
Small Claims Division of the Circuit Court
Should I send a demand letter first?
First listed deposit return deadline: 30 calendar days after the date of termination of the tenancy. Typical response window after a demand letter: 30 days.