State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Minnesota Security Deposit Laws
Under Minnesota Statutes § 504B.178, Minnesota landlords must return security deposits within 21 days (3 weeks) of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Bad faith withholding: actual damages plus $500.
Quick Answer
In Minnesota, landlords have 21 days (3 weeks) to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $15,000) and may recover Bad faith withholding: actual damages plus $500 under Minnesota Statutes § 504B.178. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Minnesota Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 21 days (3 weeks) to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Bad faith withholding: actual damages plus $500. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $15,000without needing an attorney.
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $500-1,7005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $250-8003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Minnesota deposit: $1,300 · Potential 68x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Minnesota landlord have to return my deposit?
Minnesota landlords have 21 days (3 weeks) to return your deposit—one of the shorter deadlines. They must include an itemized statement of deductions.
Does my Minnesota landlord have to pay interest?
Yes. Minnesota requires 1% simple interest on deposits annually. Interest must be paid when the deposit is returned.
What penalties apply to Minnesota landlords?
Bad faith withholding results in actual damages plus $500. You can sue in Small Claims Court for up to $15,000.
City-Specific Rules
Some Minnesota cities have additional tenant protections:
- Minneapolis: Strong tenant protections. Rent stabilization discussions.
- St. Paul: SAFE Housing ordinance provides additional protections.
Official Resources
- Minnesota Attorney General(Government)
- HOME Line (MN Tenant Hotline)(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Minnesota's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Minnesota Statutes § 504B.178 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527