Minnesota deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• Three weeks.

  Once your tenancy ends and they have your mailing address, your landlord has three weeks to return the deposit with interest, or send a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any of it.

  § 504B.178, subd. 3(a)

• Off limits.

  Ordinary wear and tear. They can only keep what's reasonably needed for unpaid rent or to restore the place.

  subd. 3(b)

• On them to prove it.

  In a dispute, the landlord has to prove the reason for keeping it.

  subd. 3(c)

• Bad faith costs extra.

  Bad faith can add up to $500 in punitive damages, on top of other damages. Missing the rules is presumed bad faith unless they pay within two weeks of a lawsuit.

  subd. 4, 7

Not covered here yet: Minneapolis and St. Paul rentals

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.