Minnesota security deposit law

What your landlord is legally required to do after you move out, how long they have, and what it costs them if they get it wrong.

The deadline

Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, a landlord in Minnesota must return your security deposit — together with any required written itemization of deductions — within 21 days. Once that window closes without payment or a proper itemization, the landlord is in violation of the statute.

Bad faith is presumed if the deposit is not returned within two weeks after a recovery action is commenced. The punitive award is capped at $500 regardless of deposit size.

What it costs your landlord

Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, a landlord who wrongfully withholds a deposit in Minnesota may be liable for the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest, and punitive damages of up to $500 where the landlord acted in bad faith. That exposure is the reason a formal demand letter works: it is usually cheaper for a landlord to pay you than to argue about it.

What your landlord may deduct in Minnesota

Rent or other funds owed under the agreement, and damage to the premises beyond ordinary wear and tear.

Minn. Stat. § 504B.178

Ordinary wear and tear

Minnesota excludes ordinary wear and tear and expressly places the burden of justifying a withholding on the landlord.

“beyond ordinary wear and tear”

What a compliant itemization has to contain

A written statement of the specific reason for withholding, within 21 days of termination and receipt of the tenant's mailing address.

Read it yourself: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178

How to get your deposit back in Minnesota

1. 1. Confirm the deadline has passed. Count from the day you moved out and returned possession. In Minnesota that's 21 days.
2. 2. Put your forwarding address in writing. In several states a landlord has no obligation until they have it, and having sent it protects your claim.
3. 3. Gather your evidence. The lease, proof you paid the deposit, move-in and move-out photos, and any itemization they sent.
4. 4. Send a written demand by certified mail. Cite Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, state the amount owed, and give a deadline to pay. Certified mail creates the delivery record a judge will want to see.
5. 5. File in small claims if they ignore you. You don't need a lawyer. File in the county where the property is located.

Common questions

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Minnesota?

Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, a Minnesota landlord has 21 days to return the deposit and provide any required written itemization of deductions.

What is the penalty if my landlord keeps my deposit in Minnesota?

Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, a landlord who wrongfully withholds may be liable for the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest, and punitive damages of up to $500 where the landlord acted in bad faith.

Do I have to sue to get my security deposit back?

Often not. A formal written demand sent by certified mail puts your landlord on notice of the statute, the deadline they missed and the penalty attached to it — and gives you a dated record that they received it. Small claims court is the fallback if they ignore it.