Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Minnesota

Minnesota: return the deposit within 21 calendar days of the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address. Within five days of the tenant leaving due to legal condemnation not caused by the tenant (subd. 3(a)(2)). Interest: yes. Penalty if the refund or statement is late: $500.00 + 1x the amount withheld on top of the refund. (Minn. Stat. 504B.178; 504B.182)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 21 calendar days after the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, other lease obligations, cleaning to move in condition, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: Yes, 1%.
Penalty: $500.00 + 1x the amount withheld on top of the refund if the refund or statement is late.
City ordinances: Minneapolis, Saint Paul.

The rule text

Every landlord shall: (1) within three weeks after termination of the tenancy; or (2) within five days of the date when the tenant leaves the building or dwelling due to the legal condemnation of the building ... and after receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the deposit to the tenant, with interest thereon

Minn. Stat. 504B.178, subd. 3(a). Source: Minn. Stat. 504B.178 Security deposits, read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (2)

The statute says 'three weeks'; 21 days is used.
No deposit cap in the statute.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

The start depends on two events (termination and address receipt). The engine has no 'later_of_termination_and_forwarding_address' start value; flagged for the orchestrator.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 21, 2026
21 calendar days after the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address.
Allowed deductions: $1,650.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $416.68
Interest $66.68.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Minn. Stat. 504B.178; 504B.182 (Minnesota)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Interest credited                                   $66.68
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Cleaning                               -$150.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,650.00
Refund due to tenant                               $416.68
Return by                                   October 21, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under Minn. Stat. 504B.178; 504B.182.

Settle a deposit in Minnesota

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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