Clay County, Missouri: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is 7th Judicial Circuit Court - Small Claims in Liberty. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: see the fee table. Claims up to $5,000. Missouri return time: 30 calendar days or another period by condition. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,193. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | 7th Judicial Circuit Court - Small Claims |
|---|---|
| City | Liberty |
| County filing fee | $20.50 filing fee; $10 certified-mail or $50 sheriff service for one defendant is extra |
| E-filing | No |
| Small claims limit | $5,000 (statewide small claims only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 5 years |
| Deposit statute | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 535.300 |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $5,000 (statewide small claims only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | after the date of termination of the tenancy |
Missouri return rule: 30 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: 7th Judicial Circuit Court - Small Claims. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Clay County.
- The Missouri business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Missouri Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
Listed filing or service charges: $20.50 filing fee; $10 certified-mail or $50 sheriff service for one defendant is extra
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Clay County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $956 | $956 | $1,912 | Fits under the $5,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,193 | $1,193 | $2,386 | Fits under the $5,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,527 | $1,527 | $3,054 | Fits under the $5,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,866 | $1,866 | $3,732 | Fits under the $5,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Clay County compare with other Missouri counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,193: rank 3 of 115 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 31.1% of households rent in Clay County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| St. Charles County | $1,296 |
| Platte County | $1,251 |
| Clay County | $1,193 |
| Jackson County | $1,136 |
| St. Louis City | $1,109 |
| St. Louis County | $1,109 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 115 of 115 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Clay County
- Avondale
- Birmingham
- Claycomo
- Excelsior Estates
- Excelsior Springs
- Gladstone
- Glenaire
- Holt
- Independence
- Kansas City
- Kearney
- Lawson
- Liberty
- Missouri City
- Mosby
- North Kansas City
- Oaks
- Oakview
- Oakwood
- Oakwood Park
- Pleasant Valley
- Prathersville
- Randolph
- Smithville
- Sugar Creek
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Legal Aid of Western Missouri: Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income tenants, including housing law and eviction defense.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Clay County?
County filing fee: $20.50 filing fee; $10 certified-mail or $50 sheriff service for one defendant is extra.
Where do I file a deposit claim in Clay County?
7th Judicial Circuit Court - Small Claims is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.