Minnesota Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Minn. Stat. §504B.178 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 calendar days after termination of tenancy and move-out.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and costs of restoring the unit. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration that occurs from normal use of the premises by the tenant.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to wrongfully withheld amount plus $500 penalty (or up to full deposit amount in bad faith cases) and attorney fees under Minn. Stat. §504B.178(7).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: No statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 21 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $15,000
- Interest on deposit: Required by statute
Additional Protections
- Landlord must pay 1% simple annual interest on deposits held 12+ months
- Bad faith withholding may result in penalty up to full deposit amount
What Your Minnesota Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Minnesota's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
Minn. Stat. §504B.178 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Minnesota law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration that occurs from normal use of the premises by the tenant...
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Minnesota Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Minnesota?
Under Minn. Stat. §504B.178, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 calendar days after termination of tenancy and move-out. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Minnesota landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Minnesota, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and costs of restoring the unit. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Minnesota?
In Minnesota: Deterioration that occurs from normal use of the premises by the tenant. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Minnesota landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to wrongfully withheld amount plus $500 penalty (or up to full deposit amount in bad faith cases) and attorney fees under Minn. Stat. §504B.178(7). You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota small claims court handles cases up to $15,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Minnesota?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Minnesota-specific dispute letter citing Minn. Stat. §504B.178 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.