How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Minnesota?

Minnesota sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 21 days after the tenancy ends (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178).

Is there a limit on late fees in Minnesota?

A late fee may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent and must be agreed to in writing. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.177)

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Minnesota?

Landlord must give reasonable notice, generally at least 24 hours, before entering except in an emergency. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.211)

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Minnesota?

Either party must give notice equal to one full rental period, generally 30 days. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.135)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Minnesota?

Landlord must give 14 days' written notice before filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.321) The case is filed as an eviction action in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Minnesota?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. A written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Minnesota with the statutory citations printed in it.

Minnesota Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Minnesota has to respect Minnesota landlord-tenant law: no statutory ceiling on the security deposit, accounted for within 21 days of move-out, and late fees limited to 8% of the rent. Below is every number that governs a Minnesota tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Minnesota rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Minnesota lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Minnesota landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Minnesota	Citation
Security deposit limit	No statutory limitMinnesota sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount.	No statute on point
Deposit return deadline	21 daysLandlord must return the deposit with interest, or a written statement of deductions, within 21 days after the tenancy ends.	Minn. Stat. § 504B.178
Interest on deposits	RequiredMinnesota requires 1% simple annual interest on security deposits.	Minn. Stat. § 504B.178
Late fee limit	8% of the rentA late fee may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent and must be agreed to in writing.	Minn. Stat. § 504B.177
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodMinnesota sets no statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	14 daysLandlord must give 14 days' written notice before filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent.	Minn. Stat. § 504B.321
Time to cure a lease violation	14 daysTenant generally receives 14 days' notice for a curable lease violation.	Minn. Stat. § 504B.321
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give notice equal to one full rental period, generally 30 days.	Minn. Stat. § 504B.135
Notice before landlord entry	24 hoursLandlord must give reasonable notice, generally at least 24 hours, before entering except in an emergency.	Minn. Stat. § 504B.211

Disclosures a Minnesota lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978
Outstanding Inspection Orders
Landlord discloses any outstanding inspection orders or condemnation orders affecting the dwelling.
Minn. Stat. § 504B.195

If things go wrong in Minnesota

Where eviction is filed

District Court, as an eviction action.

Governing law

Cited from the Minnesota Statutes.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Minnesota lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Minnesota?: Minnesota sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 21 days after the tenancy ends (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178).
Is there a limit on late fees in Minnesota?: A late fee may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent and must be agreed to in writing. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.177)
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Minnesota?: Landlord must give reasonable notice, generally at least 24 hours, before entering except in an emergency. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.211)
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Minnesota?: Either party must give notice equal to one full rental period, generally 30 days. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.135)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Minnesota?: Landlord must give 14 days' written notice before filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.321) The case is filed as an eviction action in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Minnesota?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. A written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Minnesota with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Minnesota lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Minnesota lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Minnesota law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Minnesota attorney review your lease before you rely on it.