Minnesota Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Minnesota security deposit demand letter that follows Minnesota law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Minnesota law says
| Deposit return deadline | Within three weeks after the tenancy ends (and after the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions), return the deposit with interest or give a written statement of reasons for withholding. Within 5 days if the tenant must leave because the building is legally condemned (unless the tenant's own willful, malicious, or irresponsible conduct caused it). Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3 |
|---|---|
| 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. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3 |
| Penalty for withholding | If the landlord fails to provide the written statement on time (or fails to do the required inspections when requested), the landlord owes the amount withheld plus interest as a penalty, in addition to returning the wrongfully withheld amount with interest (effectively double). Bad-faith retention adds punitive damages of up to $500 per deposit. |
| 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. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3, a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subds. 4 and 7.
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.