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

In Minnesota, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 21 days of move-out.

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in Minnesota?

Small claims court in Minnesota handles disputes up to $15,000.

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Minnesota security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

21 days

Small claims limit

$15,000

What you need to know

• Deposit due within 21 days, with interest and a written basis for any withholding.
• Bad faith adds up to $500 in punitive damages.

Itemization: Written basis for withholding required.

Interest: Interest is owed on your deposit.

Deposit cap: No statutory cap.

If they wrongfully withhold: Bad faith: the wrongfully withheld amount plus up to $500 punitive damages.

Statute: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: Minnesota landlords must act within 21 days of move-out.

⚖️ Your leverage: Bad faith: the wrongfully withheld amount plus up to $500 punitive damages.

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in Minnesota handles up to $15,000 — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

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⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

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DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.