Minnesota · MN · updated 2026
In Minnesota, a landlord must return a security deposit within 21 calendar days
Quick answer
A Minnesota landlord has 21 calendar days after the tenancy ends to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under Minnesota security deposit law, a Minnesota landlord has 21 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when the tenancy ends. By statute, Minnesota sets no statutory cap on how much a landlord can charge. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 21 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- the tenancy ends
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Required of the landlord
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory cap
- Interest on deposit
- Required
Calculate your exact Minnesota deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a Minnesota landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (Minnesota requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
Tenant recovers the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest, and an equal amount as a penalty (effectively up to 2x); bad-faith conduct can add punitive damages up to $500
How to get your deposit back in Minnesota
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common Minnesota deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- Minnesota requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Minnesota?
- In Minnesota, a landlord must return a security deposit within 21 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Minnesota?
- Minnesota statute sets no maximum on the security deposit a landlord can charge.
- Can my Minnesota landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Minnesota requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a Minnesota landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- Yes. Minnesota requires the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my Minnesota landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- Tenant recovers the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest, and an equal amount as a penalty (effectively up to 2x); bad-faith conduct can add punitive damages up to $500
No statewide cap on deposit amount (some cities impose local caps). Initial inspection is tenant-optional; landlord must notify tenant of this option within 14 days of occupancy. Interest is 1%/year simple, non-compounded.