Minnesota Security Deposit Laws

Minnesota requires landlords to pay 1% annual simple interest on security deposits and return them within 21 days with itemized deductions.

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Key Rules

Limit
No statutory cap
Return Deadline
21 days after tenancy ends and tenant provides forwarding address
Interest Required
Yes — 1% simple interest per year
Itemization Required
Yes — written itemized statement required
Penalty For Wrongful Withholding
Landlord liable for double the wrongfully withheld amount plus interest and attorney fees

Applicable Statutes

Minn. Stat. § 504B.178

Security deposit return: no statutory cap on deposits. Landlord must return deposit within 21 days after tenancy ends and tenant provides forwarding address, with itemized deductions.

Minn. Stat. § 504B.178(b)

Interest on security deposits: landlord must pay interest on deposits at a rate of one percent simple per year.

Legal Aid Resources

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

612-334-5970

Minneapolis and central Minnesota

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