Tenant Rights in Minnesota

Security Deposits

• Maximum amountNo statutory limit. Landlords may charge any amount.
• Return deadline21 days after the tenancy ends (3 weeks). Interest must be paid on deposits held for more than 12 months.

Landlord may deduct for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges under the lease. Must provide a written statement of deductions within 21 days.

Eviction Process

• Notice requirements14-day notice for nonpayment of rent. For lease violations, the notice period depends on the lease terms. Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated with notice equal to the rental period.
• Judicial eviction requiredYes
• Estimated timeline2 to 5 weeks for uncontested cases.

Rent Control

Minnesota does not have statewide rent control. However, Minnesota law (since 2021) allows cities to adopt rent stabilization through a local ballot measure. St. Paul voters approved a rent control ordinance in 2021 (capping annual increases at 3%). Minneapolis has considered but not enacted rent control.

Repair and Habitability

• Repair and deductAllowed
• Rent withholdingAllowed
• Retaliation protectionYes

Lease Termination

• Month-to-month noticeOne full rental period's notice (typically 30 days for monthly tenancies) by either party.

Tenant may be liable for remaining rent. Landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent. Military members may terminate under the SCRA. Domestic violence victims may terminate with documentation under Minn. Stat. § 504B.206.

Key Statutes

• Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Law: Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.001–504B.471
• Security Deposits: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178
• Covenants of Landlord (Habitability): Minn. Stat. § 504B.161
• Tenant Remedies: Minn. Stat. § 504B.381 to 504B.395
• Retaliation: Minn. Stat. § 504B.441

When to Get Legal Help

• You're facing eviction, especially with short notice
• Your landlord is withholding a large security deposit
• You believe you're being discriminated against
• Your unit has serious habitability issues the landlord refuses to fix

Find free legal aid in Minnesota

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a security deposit limit in Minnesota?

  No. Minnesota has no statutory cap on security deposits. However, the landlord must return the deposit within 21 days and must pay interest on deposits held for more than 12 months.

• Can I withhold rent for repairs in Minnesota?

  Yes. Minnesota tenants may withhold rent or use the repair-and-deduct remedy if the landlord violates the covenant of habitability after receiving notice. Tenants may also use rent escrow through the courts.

• Does Minnesota have rent control?

  There is no statewide rent control. However, St. Paul has a rent control ordinance (approved by voters in 2021) capping annual increases at 3%. Minneapolis and other cities may also adopt local rent stabilization through voter approval.

• How does the eviction process work in Minnesota?

  A landlord must provide a 14-day notice for nonpayment and then file an eviction action in housing court. All evictions require a court order. Self-help evictions are illegal.

Sources

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B - Landlord and Tenant