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 Saint Paul, MN
Minnesota (Saint Paul): 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; Saint Paul Legislative Code 193.03 (S.A.F.E. Housing, ORD 20-14))
What the city changes
deposit cap 1 month(s) of rent. Everything else follows Minnesota's rule (Minn. Stat. 504B.178; 504B.182).
The rule text
Security Deposit cannot exceed 0ne (1) months' rent
Saint Paul Legislative Code 193.03 (S.A.F.E. Housing, ORD 20-14). Source: S.A.F.E. Housing Tenant Protections, Security Deposit Limitations (March 2021), read 2026-10-09.
Notes on this ordinance (1)
- Return, itemization and interest are state law (504B.178).
Worked example
The same move-out as on the state pages. 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; Saint Paul Legislative Code 193.03 (S.A.F.E. Housing, ORD 20-14) (Minnesota, Saint Paul) 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; Saint Paul Legislative Code 193.03 (S.A.F.E. Housing, ORD 20-14).
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.