Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Minnesota?
Short answer
At a glance: 21 days; 5 days (condemned building)
Within 3 weeks after the tenancy ends (5 days after a condemnation move-out): return the deposit with interest or a written statement of reasons
Deadline: Within 21 days after move-out (5 days for the tenant left because the building was legally condemned)
Within three weeks after the tenancy ends, and after receiving the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit with 1% simple interest or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding any of it (5 days if the tenant left because of a legal condemnation not caused by the tenant).
"within three weeks after termination of the tenancy; or" revisor.mn.gov
"and after receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit to the tenant, with interest thereon as provided in subdivision 2, or furnish to the tenant a written statement showing the specific reason for the withholding of the deposit or any portion thereof." revisor.mn.gov
"In any action concerning the deposit, the burden of proving, by a fair preponderance of the evidence, the reason for withholding all or any portion of the deposit shall be on the landlord." revisor.mn.gov
Within 3 weeks after the tenancy ends (5 days after a condemnation move-out): return the deposit with interest or a written statement of reasons Verified
Deadline: Within 21 days after move-out (5 days for the tenant left because the building was legally condemned)
Within three weeks after the tenancy ends, and after receiving the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit with 1% simple interest or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding any of it (5 days if the tenant left because of a legal condemnation not caused by the tenant).
Who it covers: The clock runs after you receive the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions. Mailing first class within the deadline counts. The landlord bears the burden of proving any withholding; bad-faith retention adds penalties.
"within three weeks after termination of the tenancy; or" revisor.mn.gov
"and after receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit to the tenant, with interest thereon as provided in subdivision 2, or furnish to the tenant a written statement showing the specific reason for the withholding of the deposit or any portion thereof." revisor.mn.gov
"In any action concerning the deposit, the burden of proving, by a fair preponderance of the evidence, the reason for withholding all or any portion of the deposit shall be on the landlord." revisor.mn.gov