Skip to content
DepositClaimNow

Minnesota security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Minnesota, a landlord has 21 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178). Under Minnesota law, a landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit can owe up to twice the amount withheld, plus up to $500.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

21

days for a Minnesota landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

Within three weeks (21 days) after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address, the landlord must return the deposit with interest or give a written statement of the reasons for keeping any part.

What the landlord must send you

A written statement giving the specific reason for withholding any part of the deposit.

If the landlord misses the deadline

If the landlord doesn't comply, keeping the deposit is presumed to be in bad faith unless it's returned within two weeks after a suit begins (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 7).

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A landlord who doesn't comply owes the amount withheld plus an equal penalty, and bad-faith retention adds punitive damages of up to $500 (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subds. 4 and 7).

Your forwarding address

Minnesota's 21 days run from receiving your mailing address. The letter includes yours.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

Free deposit check

Five quick answers. No sign-up. Takes about a minute.

Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

Minnesota security deposit FAQ

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

Within three weeks (21 days) after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address, the landlord must return the deposit with interest or give a written statement of the reasons for keeping any part.

What must a Minnesota landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A written statement giving the specific reason for withholding any part of the deposit.

What happens if a Minnesota landlord misses the deadline?

If the landlord doesn't comply, keeping the deposit is presumed to be in bad faith unless it's returned within two weeks after a suit begins (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 7).

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Minnesota?

A landlord who doesn't comply owes the amount withheld plus an equal penalty, and bad-faith retention adds punitive damages of up to $500 (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subds. 4 and 7).

Do I need to give my Minnesota landlord a forwarding address?

Minnesota's 21 days run from receiving your mailing address. The letter includes yours.

How do I get my security deposit back in Minnesota?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 21 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

Related guides

Other states