Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Minnesota

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Minnesota law says

Itemized deductions	If any amount is withheld, the landlord must give a written statement showing the specific reason for the withholding. Deductions are limited to amounts reasonably necessary to cover rent or other payment defaults by the tenant, or to restore the unit to its move-in condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The landlord bears the burden of proving the reason for withholding by a fair preponderance of the evidence. Since 2023, landlords must tell tenants of the right to request a move-in inspection (at the start of the tenancy or within 14 days after move-in) and must offer a move-out inspection, at the tenant's request, no earlier than 5 days before the tenancy ends (§ 504B.182, new in 2023 c 52 art 19; https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B.182). Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3
Wear and tear / move-out charges	A landlord may withhold from the deposit only amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent or other money owed under an agreement, or to restore the premises to their condition at the start of the tenancy, 'ordinary wear and tear excepted.' The term is not defined, and the statute doesn't specifically address cleaning, painting or carpet. In a deposit dispute, the landlord has the burden of proving the reason for withholding. The landlord must give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3(b)-(c)

Itemized deductions

If any amount is withheld, the landlord must give a written statement showing the specific reason for the withholding. Deductions are limited to amounts reasonably necessary to cover rent or other payment defaults by the tenant, or to restore the unit to its move-in condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

The landlord bears the burden of proving the reason for withholding by a fair preponderance of the evidence. Since 2023, landlords must tell tenants of the right to request a move-in inspection (at the start of the tenancy or within 14 days after move-in) and must offer a move-out inspection, at the tenant's request, no earlier than 5 days before the tenancy ends (§ 504B.182, new in 2023 c 52 art 19; https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B.182).

Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3

Wear and tear / move-out charges

A landlord may withhold from the deposit only amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent or other money owed under an agreement, or to restore the premises to their condition at the start of the tenancy, 'ordinary wear and tear excepted.' The term is not defined, and the statute doesn't specifically address cleaning, painting or carpet. In a deposit dispute, the landlord has the burden of proving the reason for withholding.

The landlord must give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding.

Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3(b)-(c)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Minnesota tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.