Minneapolis Renters
Get Your Security Deposit Back in Minneapolis
Your Minneapolis landlord has 21 days to return your security deposit after you move out. Know your rights and hold them accountable.
21
Days to return
$1,400
Avg. rent
430K
Population
Minneapolis Local Info
Minnesota requires deposit return within 3 weeks after termination or receipt of forwarding address, whichever is later. Landlord must pay 1% simple interest on all deposits. Wrongful withholding results in double the amount withheld plus interest; bad faith adds up to $500 in punitive damages.
Local Ordinance
Minnesota Statute § 504B.178 (Security Deposits)
Minnesota requires deposit return within 3 weeks (21 days) after the later of termination or receipt of the tenant's forwarding address. Landlord must provide itemized statement of deductions. Must return within 5 days if tenant was wrongfully excluded from property.
Penalties: Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest. Bad faith adds punitive damages up to $500 per deposit. Retention is presumed bad faith if landlord fails to comply with the 21-day deadline unless deposit is returned within 2 weeks of tenant filing suit.
Read the full ordinance →Minneapolis Deposit Rules
Interest Required
Yes
1% simple, non-compounding per year on all deposits (Minnesota state requirement)
Return Deadline
21 days
Penalty
Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest. Bad faith adds punitive damages up to $500 per deposit. Retention is presumed bad faith if landlord fails to comply with the 21-day deadline unless deposit is returned within 2 weeks of tenant filing suit.
Get Your Deposit Back in Minneapolis: Step by Step
Know the 21-Day Minnesota Deadline
Your Minneapolis landlord has 3 weeks (21 days) from the later of the end of your tenancy or receipt of your forwarding address to return your deposit with an itemized statement.
Check for Interest
Minnesota requires 1% simple interest on deposits. Calculate what you're owed.
Review Deductions
Minnesota allows deductions only for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and lease violations. Challenge anything else.
Send a Demand Letter
Reference Minnesota Statute § 504B.178 and demand the full deposit, interest, and $500 bad faith penalty if applicable.
File at Hennepin County Conciliation Court
File your claim at conciliation court. Minneapolis has a generous $15,000 limit, covering even large deposits.
Calculate Your Minneapolis Deadline
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Local Small Claims Court
Court
Hennepin County District Court - Conciliation (Small Claims)
Address
300 S. 6th St., Minneapolis, MN 55487
Filing Fee
$65-$75
Claims Limit
$15,000
Minnesota Security Deposit Law
Return Deadline
21 days after move-out
Penalty for Late Return
Liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest; bad faith adds punitive damages up to $500
Minneapolis Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my Minneapolis landlord have to return my deposit?
3 weeks (21 days) after the later of termination or receipt of your forwarding address, under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178. They must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
Does my Minneapolis landlord have to pay interest?
Yes. Minnesota requires 1% simple, non-compounding interest per year on all security deposits. Interest under $1 is excluded.
Is there a limit on deposits in Minneapolis?
Minnesota doesn't set a statutory maximum, but Minneapolis's strong tenant protections mean deposits should be reasonable.
What happens if my landlord acts in bad faith?
You can recover double the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest. Bad faith adds punitive damages up to $500. Retention is presumed bad faith if the landlord fails to return the deposit within 21 days.
Where do I file a deposit claim in Minneapolis?
File at Hennepin County Conciliation Court. Claims up to $15,000. Filing fee is $65-$75.