DisputeKit / States / Missouri
Your consumer rights in Missouri
What Missouri and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
30 days. Under Revised Statutes of Missouri § 535.300.3, a landlord must return the full security deposit, or provide a written itemized list of the damages for which any part is withheld along with the balance of the deposit within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award twice the amount wrongfully withheld, as damages.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
Missouri has no automatic-renewal statute. For subscriptions sold online, the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires a simple way to stop recurring charges, and Missouri's general consumer protection law applies.
Small claims and complaints in Missouri
- Missouri consumer law
- Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, RSMo § 407.020
- Where to file a complaint
- Missouri Attorney General's Office, Consumer Complaints
- Small claims limit
- $5,000 in the small claims division of the circuit court
- Filing fee
- Varies by county (roughly $35 to $100 plus service costs); check with the circuit clerk