Minnesota (MN) law guide
Quick answer
Minnesota has no cap on security deposits and requires landlords to return them within 3 weeks (21 days) of move-out. There is no statewide rent control, though St. Paul limits increases to 3% per year. Landlords must give a tenant 14 days written notice to pay before filing an eviction for nonpayment of rent.
Security deposit limit
No statutory cap
Deposit return deadline
3 weeks (21 days) after move-out
Statewide rent control
None (St. Paul: 3% cap locally)
Nonpayment eviction notice
14 days to pay before filing
Minnesota rental market snapshot
Population
5.74 million
Renter households
~28% statewide; ~47% in St. Paul
Median rent
~$1,500/mo (2BR, Twin Cities metro)
Largest rental markets
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington
The Twin Cities metro drives most rental demand, with Minneapolis adding significant new supply since its 2040 zoning reforms, keeping rent growth moderate relative to peer cities.
Minnesota sets no maximum on security deposits, so landlords can charge any amount. In practice, most charge one to two months rent.
Landlords must return the deposit within 3 weeks (21 days) after the tenant vacates and provides a forwarding address. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must send a written, itemized explanation by that same deadline or risk owing the tenant the withheld amount plus a $500 civil penalty.
Minnesota has no statewide rent control. Landlords can raise rent to any amount, but must give written notice of at least one full rental period (typically 30 days for monthly tenants) before the increase takes effect.
Late fees must be spelled out in the lease and are capped at 8% of the unpaid rent. No statewide grace period is required, though many leases include one.
Before filing an eviction for nonpayment, Minnesota landlords must give tenants a written notice with 14 days to pay the overdue rent. Filing in court before those 14 days expire will get the case dismissed.
For lease violations other than nonpayment, landlords must give written notice describing the breach. Month-to-month tenancies require at least one rental period of notice to terminate without cause.
Landlords must give tenants at least 24 hours written notice before entering and may only enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless both parties agree otherwise. Emergency entry (to prevent injury or determine tenant safety) is allowed without notice.
After receiving written notice of a needed repair, landlords have 14 days to fix the problem. Code violations may carry a shorter deadline set by the local housing inspector.
Under Minn. Stat. 504B.161, landlords must keep units in reasonable repair and fit for their intended use, including compliance with all applicable health and safety codes. Pest control and weatherproofing are covered under this duty.
It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against a tenant for reporting code violations, contacting a government agency, or exercising any legal right. Retaliation can be used as a defense in an eviction case.
Minnesota follows the federal Fair Housing Act and adds state-level protected classes including source of income (housing vouchers), sexual orientation, and marital status. Refusing to rent to a Section 8 voucher holder is illegal in most Minnesota cities.
Breaking a lease early does not automatically void the deposit. Landlords must make a reasonable effort to re-rent the unit; a tenant is only liable for rent that could not be mitigated. Victims of domestic violence can terminate a lease with written notice under Minn. Stat. 504B.206.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Minn. Stat. Ch. 504B. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Minnesota FAQ
There is **no statutory cap** in Minnesota, so a landlord can legally charge any amount. Most landlords charge one to two months rent. Check local ordinances, as Minneapolis may impose additional limits.
A landlord has **3 weeks (21 days)** after the tenant moves out and provides a forwarding address. If any amount is withheld, the landlord must include a written, itemized explanation by that same deadline or face a civil penalty.
**No statewide rent control exists.** St. Paul is the only city with a local rent stabilization ordinance, capping increases at **3% per year**. Landlords elsewhere can raise rent to any amount with proper notice.
Landlords must give at least **24 hours written notice** and can only enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Emergency situations allow entry without notice.
Yes, but only after giving the tenant **14 days written notice** to pay. If the tenant pays within those 14 days, the landlord cannot proceed with the eviction. Filing before the 14 days expire will result in the case being dismissed.
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