Hi all,
I’m looking for legal guidance on a situation involving my former landlord in Missouri.
I recently moved out at the end of my lease term. I gave written notice 45 days before move-out, but the lease required 60 days’ notice. I still vacated the apartment on time by the exact lease end date, returned all keys, and left the unit in good condition.
Despite that, my landlord:
Kept the entire $600 security deposit, citing the insufficient notice.
Charged me an additional $410 for cleaning and damages.
Sent me a disposition letter dated the same day my lease ended.
Here’s the exact language from the disposition letter:
“Enclosed please find an itemized list of charges. Based on these charges, you have a balance due of $410.00.
Credits
Security Deposit $600.00
Total Credits $600.00
Charges
Deposit forfeit $600.00
move out charge sheet cleaning and damages $410.00
Total Charges $1,010.00
Amount Due $410.00
Please remit the balance due immediately.”
My Questions:
-
Is it legal for them to forfeit the full deposit just because I gave 45 days’ notice instead of 60, even though I moved out on time?
-
Can they also charge an extra $410 on top of that? It feels like I’m being double-penalized.
-
Are they required to provide actual receipts, invoices, or photo evidence to support the $410 in “cleaning and damage” charges under Missouri law?
I understand that I didn’t meet the notice requirement, but I’m trying to determine if this is just harsh or actually unlawful. I didn’t receive any documentation about damages, photos, or detailed breakdowns — just that one-page letter.
Any insight would be really appreciated. Thanks.
Location:
Kansas City, MO