What is Minnesota's law on security deposit return and deductions?

Minnesota law

Landlord & Tenant Laws in Minnesota.

Minnesota landlord-tenant law includes strict rules on security deposits, written deduction statements, and the timeline for returning deposits after a tenancy ends. Minnesota also requires landlords to use court process for eviction rather than self-help lockouts.

Last verified: 2026-04-06

Guided help

Ask about a landlord & tenant deadline, right, or next step.

Keep the question grounded in Minnesota. FlowLawyers can route you to the statute section, legal aid, attorney search, or a guided workflow when one fits.

Fast paths

Explain my next step Filing deadline Attorneys Legal aid

The law sections below preserve the citations and source links. Use guided help when you need to move from reading the rule to choosing what to do next.

State law

Filing Requirements

Forwarding AddressMinn. Stat. § 504B.178

A tenant seeking prompt return of a security deposit should provide a forwarding address so the landlord can return the deposit or send a written deduction statement within the statutory period.

State law

Key Minnesota Statutes

Security Deposit Return and DeductionsMinn. Stat. § 504B.178

A landlord generally must return a tenant's security deposit within 21 days after the tenancy ends and receipt of a forwarding address, together with a written statement explaining any lawful deductions.

State law

Official Sources

Minnesota Revisor of Statutes

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.

Minnesota

County-by-County Landlord & Tenant Guides

View courthouse information, legal aid organizations, and local resources for landlord & tenant cases in specific Minnesota counties.

Browse Minnesota county guides

Landlord & Tenant Laws in Minnesota.

Ask about a landlord & tenant deadline, right, or next step.

Filing Requirements

Key Minnesota Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

County-by-County Landlord & Tenant Guides

Other state law topics.