Minnesota Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Minn. Stat. §504B.178 — Deposit of Security; Damages
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 calendar days after termination of tenancy and tenant vacating.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 calendar days, you may be entitled to tenant may recover amount wrongfully withheld plus bad faith penalty under Minn. Stat. §504B.178(7).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 21 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $15,000
- Interest on deposit: Landlord must pay simple interest at rate of 1% per year (for deposits held 6+ months)
Additional Protections
- Written itemization of deductions required
- Interest required for deposits held more than 6 months
- If landlord fails to return within 21 days, tenant may recover full deposit
What Your Minnesota Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Minnesota's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Minn. Stat. §504B.178 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
21 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
tenant may recover amount wrongfully withheld plus bad faith penalty — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Minnesota Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Minnesota?
Under Minn. Stat. §504B.178, your landlord has 21 calendar days after termination of tenancy and tenant vacating to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Minnesota landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to tenant may recover amount wrongfully withheld plus bad faith penalty under Minn. Stat. §504B.178(7). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Minnesota?
Under Minn. Stat. §504B.178, the maximum security deposit in Minnesota is no statutory limit.
Does my Minnesota landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Minnesota law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 21 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota small claims court handles cases up to $15,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Minnesota?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Minnesota-specific demand letter citing Minn. Stat. §504B.178 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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