Minnesota security deposit demand letter
Create a Minnesota security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in Minnesota?
The primary residential security-deposit statute is Minn. Stat. § 504B.178. The citation is used only after the factual scope questions confirm that the ordinary residential rule applies. If a material scope fact is unknown, the state citation and enhanced remedy are suppressed rather than guessed. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2025 current codification).
Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2025 current codification) · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in Minnesota?
Ordinary deadline: three weeks (21 calendar days) after termination of the tenancy and after receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions. Condemnation exception: five days after the tenant leaves because of legal condemnation not caused by specified tenant misconduct, again after receipt of address/instructions. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2025 current codification).
Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2025 current codification) · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in Minnesota?
Yes. The landlord must furnish a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any portion. The letter requests only the itemization, accounting, and supporting documents required by that rule. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2025 current codification).
Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2025 current codification) · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a Minnesota landlord does not comply?
The statute provides the deposit balance and 1% simple interest; a subdivision 4 penalty equal to the portion withheld plus interest, in addition to the portion wrongfully withheld plus interest, for listed failures. Mixed standard. The separate punitive award up to $500 requires bad faith. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178; Minn. Stat. § 504B.182; Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subds. 4 and 7.
Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178; Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subds. 4 and 7 · Verified July 24, 2026
Does Minnesota require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No special service method for the tenant’s demand. The cited law does not prescribe a tenant-demand form or mandatory wording. Certified mail is recommended for evidence only unless the cited rule expressly requires a particular delivery method. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2025 current codification).
Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2025 current codification) · Verified July 24, 2026
The primary residential security-deposit statute is Minn. Stat. § 504B.178.