General info, not legal advice. Details

Minnesota Deposit return deadline

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

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

Within three weeks after the tenancy ends (and after receiving the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions): return the deposit with interest, or a written statement of reasons for withholding.

Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 · last checked 2026-10-15

How this works in Minnesota

Minnesota gives you three weeks after the tenancy ends, once you have the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions. In that time you return the deposit with interest, or send a written statement of your reasons for withholding.

Worked example for Minnesota

Say the tenancy ends on June 30, 2026 and the tenant left a forwarding address at move-out. Three weeks later is July 21, 2026. That's when the deposit, with interest, or your written statement of reasons has to reach the tenant.

Minnesota timelines and limits

DeadlineWithin three weeks after the tenancy ends, after receiving the mailing address or delivery instructions
What to sendDeposit with interest, or a written statement of reasons for withholding

Minnesota FAQ

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

Three weeks after the tenancy ends, under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178.

Do I owe interest?

Yes. The deposit is returned with interest.

What if I keep some of it?

Send a written statement of the reasons for withholding.

Sources for this section: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (checked 2026-10-15)

This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.

Related Minnesota rules

Security deposit limit

No maximum. Minnesota's deposit statute sets interest, return and withholding rules but no cap on the amount.

Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Minnesota security deposit limit page

Interest on deposits

Deposits earn simple, non-compounded interest of 1% a year, from the first day of the month after the deposit is fully paid until the deposit is returned. Interest under $1 is excluded.

Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 2 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Minnesota interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

Landlords must offer inspections. At the start of the tenancy or within 14 days of move-in, the landlord must tell the tenant they may request an initial inspection. Before the tenancy ends, the landlord must tell the tenant in writing they may request a move-out inspection and be present; it is held no earlier than 5 days before move-out. If the tenant agrees, the landlord may instead give written acknowledgment of photos or videos of the unit and agree on its condition at the start or end of the tenancy.

Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.182 · last checked 2026-10-22 · Full Minnesota move-in/move-out checklist page

Abandoned property

If a tenant abandons the unit, the landlord must store the property. It may be sold or disposed of 28 days after the landlord learns of, or reasonably concludes, the abandonment. The landlord must make reasonable efforts to notify the tenant at least 14 days before a sale. Remaining sale proceeds go to the tenant on written demand.

Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.271, subd. 1 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full Minnesota abandoned property page

Same topic in neighboring states

All Minnesota landlord-tenant law · Minnesota landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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