Key Takeaways
- Security deposits must be returned within 21 days after lease termination
- Minnesota limits security deposits to one month's rent for most cases
- Landlords must pay interest on security deposits if held for over one year
- Retaliatory eviction is prohibited in Minnesota
- Leases longer than 1 year must be in writing (Statute of Frauds)
Last updated: January 2026
Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Law
Minnesota has specific landlord-tenant protections.
Security Deposits
Limits
| Situation | Maximum Deposit |
|---|---|
| Standard | No statutory limit (common: 1 month) |
| Pre-paid rent | Not limited |
Return Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Return deadline | 21 days after termination |
| Itemized statement | Required for deductions |
| Interest | Required if held over 1 year |
| Written notice | Of deposit deductions |
Allowable Deductions
| Can Deduct | Cannot Deduct |
|---|---|
| Unpaid rent | Normal wear and tear |
| Damage beyond normal | Pre-existing damage |
| Cleaning costs | Improvements |
| Utility arrears |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Late return | Forfeit right to deductions |
| Bad faith | Punitive damages |
| No itemization | May lose deduction rights |
Lease Requirements
In Writing
| Lease Term | Written Required |
|---|---|
| Over 1 year | YES (Statute of Frauds) |
| 1 year or less | NO (but recommended) |
Landlord's Duties
Implied Warranty of Habitability
| Must Provide | Details |
|---|---|
| Heat | During heating season |
| Hot water | Year-round |
| Repairs | Timely maintenance |
| Safety | Smoke/CO detectors |
| Security | Reasonably safe premises |
Required Disclosures
| Disclosure | When |
|---|---|
| Lead paint | Pre-1978 |
| Radon | Always |
| Outstanding inspection orders | Before lease |
| Move-in checklist | Recommended |
Tenant's Rights
Against Retaliation
| Protected Activity | Cannot Evict For |
|---|---|
| Complaints | To landlord or city |
| Organizing | Tenant unions |
| Reporting | Code violations |
Rent Escrow
| Condition | Remedy |
|---|---|
| Habitability issues | May pay into escrow |
| Notice first | Must notify landlord |
| Court involvement | File with court |
Eviction
Required Notice
| Reason | Notice Period |
|---|---|
| Non-payment | 14 days |
| Lease violation | 14 days (with cure period) |
| No lease/holdover | Month-to-month: 1 month |
Prohibited Self-Help
| Cannot Do | Must Do |
|---|---|
| Change locks | Court eviction |
| Remove belongings | Follow legal process |
| Shut off utilities | Proper notice |
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Test Your Knowledge
How many days does a Minnesota landlord have to return a security deposit after the lease ends?
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Test Your Knowledge
What notice period is required for non-payment of rent eviction in Minnesota?
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D