Minnesota Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Minnesota facts

Security deposit 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. Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

Before filing an eviction for nonpayment of rent (residential), the landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant 14 days to pay. Minn. Stat. § 504B.321, subd. 1a

Small claims limit

$20,000 in money or property; $4,000 if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction. Excluded: real estate title and boundary disputes, libel or slander, class actions, prejudgment remedies, most injunctions and… Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subds. 3a, 4

Small estate affidavit

If the entire probate estate (less liens and encumbrances) is $75,000 or less, a successor may collect personal property (money owed, accounts, stocks, tangible property, safe deposit box contents, vehicles) by… Minn. Stat. § 524.3-1201

Cost of a protective order

Filing fees for an Order for Protection are waived. The sheriff and other officers serve the papers without charge to the petitioner. Minn. Stat. §518B.01, subd. 3a, 9a(d); MN Judicial Branch HRO information

Minimum wage

$11.41 per hour for all employers since January 1, 2026 ($9.31 training wage for workers under 20 during their first 90 days). Minneapolis and St. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Minimum wage in Minnesota

Final paycheck if fired

Wages are due within 24 hours of the employee's demand for payment. If the employee handled the employer's money or property, the employer gets 10 extra calendar days to audit before paying. Minn. Stat. 181.13; Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Employment termination

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for consumer debts (personal, family or household) and for contract actions generally. Minn. Stat. § 541.053; § 541.05