Minnesota landlord-tenant laws.
Notable Minnesota quirk
Deposits are uncapped but earn statutory interest (1% simple per year, § 504B.178), and bad-faith retention risks a doubling penalty plus up to $500 punitive damages per deposit. Late fees are hard-capped at 8% of the overdue payment.
Minnesota landlord law FAQ
How long do I have to return a security deposit in Minnesota?
Three weeks after the tenancy ends and you have received the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions — five days if the tenant left because the building was condemned (§ 504B.178, subd. 3). Miss the deadline and you owe the withheld portion plus interest again as a penalty, on top of returning it (subd. 4).
Do I owe interest on security deposits in Minnesota?
Yes. Deposits earn 1% simple, noncompounded interest per year, computed from the first day of the month after the deposit is paid in full to the last day of the month when you comply in good faith with the return rules; amounts under $1 are excluded (§ 504B.178, subd. 2). There is no cap on the deposit amount itself.
What is the maximum late fee I can charge in Minnesota?
8% of the overdue rent payment — a hard cap (§ 504B.177(a)). You may only charge it if the tenant agreed in writing that a late fee may be imposed, and the agreement must specify when. In housing-assistance tenancies, calculate the fee only on the tenant's share of the rent (§ 504B.177(c)).
How much notice before entering a rental in Minnesota?
A good-faith effort to give reasonable notice of not less than 24 hours, entry only for a reasonable business purpose and only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise (§ 504B.211, subd. 2, as tightened by the 2023 tenant-protection law). Violations risk rent reduction up to lease rescission, a civil penalty up to $500 per violation, and attorney fees (subd. 6).
Can I charge application or pre-lease fees in Minnesota?
Yes, with strict rules. No screening fee if no unit is available or will be within a reasonable time; you must give a written receipt, disclose your rental criteria and any screening service first, and refund the fee in defined cases — violations cost the fee back plus up to a $100 penalty and attorney fees (§ 504B.173). A pre-lease deposit requires a conspicuous written agreement, must be applied to the deposit or rent if a lease is signed, and returned within seven days if not (§ 504B.175).
How much can a landlord charge for late rent in Minnesota?
Capped at 8% of the overdue rent payment; only if a written agreement provides for it. Grace period: None statutory — with a written agreement, a late fee may be imposed once rent is past the due date (§ 504B.177). Late fee terms should always be written into the lease.
What is the security deposit limit in Minnesota?
No cap. The deposit must be returned within 3 weeks (after tenancy ends + receipt of tenant's mailing address); 5 days if condemned after move-out.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in Minnesota?
24 hours (entry 8 a.m.–8 p.m.).
Is there rent control in Minnesota?
Local (St. Paul has it).
Sources
Summarized from public statutes, state bar guides, and provincial residential tenancy acts. Last reviewed 2026-07-17. Deposit statute: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178. Late fee statute: Minn. Stat. § 504B.177 (8% cap; written agreement required).
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (security deposits)
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.177 (late fees)
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 (entry)
- Minn. Stat. § 491A.01 (conciliation court limit)
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.173 (applicant screening fees)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.