---
title: "Minnesota Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions | MCC"
description: "Minnesota landlord-tenant rules: no deposit cap in the law read, deposit returned within 21 days, 14-day notice for unpaid rent. Official sources linked."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/minnesota-landlord-rules"
---

Free tool · Minnesota · Landlords and tenants

# Minnesota landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps

The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for Minnesota, each from the state's own pages or courts.

**Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in Minnesota: Within three weeks after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions; within five days if the tenant leaves because the building is legally condemned (subd. 3). Deposit limit: No maximum in 504B.178.

**Sources checked:** November 2026

**Quick answer.** Minnesota: no deposit cap in the law read; deposit returned within 21 days; 14-day notice for unpaid rent; 24-hour entry notice; $20,000 small claims limit. 22 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 1 is marked not confirmed, with the page to check.

## Key numbers

Deposit limit

No cap in the law read

Deposit back within

21 days

Month-to-month notice (landlord)

1 period

Unpaid rent notice

14 days

Entry notice

24 hours

Filing fee

Varies by county

Time to answer or appear

At the hearing

Judgment to writ

Up to 7 days

Writ to lockout

24 hours

Small claims limit

$20,000

## Security deposit (6 of 6 confirmed)

Law read: Minn. Stat. 504B.178.

Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving).

- ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No maximum in 504B.178. Source: [Minnesota Revisor of Statutes: 504B.178](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504b.178), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedReturn deadline Within three weeks after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions; within five days if the tenant leaves because the building is legally condemned (subd. 3).Building legally condemned: 5 days Source: [Minnesota Revisor of Statutes: 504B.178](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504b.178), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions A written statement showing the specific reason for withholding (subd. 3). Source: [Minnesota Revisor of Statutes: 504B.178](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504b.178), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedInterest on the deposit Simple, noncompounded interest of 1% a year (subd. 2). Source: [Minnesota Revisor of Statutes: 504B.178](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504b.178), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedWhere the deposit is held Held by the landlord for the tenant; 504B.178 names no account type (subd. 2). Source: [Minnesota Revisor of Statutes: 504B.178](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504b.178), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states A penalty equal to the amount withheld plus interest (subd. 4); bad-faith retention adds punitive damages of up to $500 per deposit (subd. 7). Source: [Minnesota Revisor of Statutes: 504B.178](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504b.178), checked November 2026

More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-MN) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=MN)

## Notice periods (6 of 6 confirmed)

What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too.

| Notice | Rule | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ending month-to-month (landlord) | If the lease is silent, written notice the other side receives at least one full rental period before the last day of the tenancy (the day before the last rent payment is due). Late notice is void. Same rule for both sides. | Source: [Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants handbook, ending the tenancy](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/CH3.asp), checked November 2026 (Minn. Stat. 504B.135) |
| Ending month-to-month (tenant) | If the lease is silent, written notice the other side receives at least one full rental period before the last day of the tenancy (the day before the last rent payment is due). Late notice is void. Same rule for both sides. | Source: [Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants handbook, ending the tenancy](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/CH3.asp), checked November 2026 (Minn. Stat. 504B.135) |
| Rent increase notice | Periodic tenancy: proper written notice of one rental period plus one day. No increase during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it. | Source: [Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants handbook, during the tenancy](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/CH2.asp), checked November 2026 |
| Unpaid rent notice | Since January 1, 2024, the landlord must give a detailed 14-day written notice, with information on financial and legal resources, before filing an eviction for unpaid rent. | Source: [Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants handbook, other important laws](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/CH4.asp), checked November 2026 (Minn. Stat. 504B.321, subd. 1a) |
| Entry notice | Only for a reasonable business purpose, with at least 24 hours' notice, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless agreed otherwise. The right can't be waived in a lease. | Source: [Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants handbook, during the tenancy](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/CH2.asp), checked November 2026 (Minn. Stat. 504B.211, subd. 2) |
| Late fee limits | Only if agreed in writing; at most 8% of the unpaid rent. | Source: [Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants handbook, during the tenancy](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/CH2.asp), checked November 2026 (Minn. Stat. 504B.177) |

More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-MN) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=MN)

## Eviction case, in order (9 of 10 confirmed)

- **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: Since January 1, 2024, the landlord must give a detailed 14-day written notice, with information on financial and legal resources, before filing an eviction for unpaid rent.
- **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt Eviction cases are heard in Housing Court under the rules for district courts.eviction cases are heard in “Housing Court” governed by General Rules of Practice for District Courts Source: [Minnesota Judicial Branch: Instructions, Eviction Action Complaint (HOU101, rev. 1/24)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/HOU101.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedFiling fee About $325, per the Attorney General's handbook; the court's fee schedule has the current amount.the filing fee (now about $325) Source: [Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants handbook, Other Important Laws](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/CH4.asp), checked November 2026

- **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### ConfirmedTime to answer or appear A tenant who disagrees must appear in court at the hearing.they must appear in court at the time of the hearing Source: [Minnesota Judicial Branch: Instructions, Eviction Action Complaint (HOU101, rev. 1/24)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/HOU101.pdf), checked November 2026

- **Hearing or trial** #### ConfirmedHearing after filing The hearing is set 7 to 14 days out (5 to 7 on an expedited request), and service must be complete at least 7 days before.Service of the Summons and Complaint must be completed at least 7 days before the hearing date. Source: [Minnesota Judicial Branch: Instructions, Eviction Action Complaint (HOU101, rev. 1/24)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/HOU101.pdf), checked November 2026

- **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### ConfirmedJudgment to writ The court issues the writ immediately on judgment, but stays it for a reasonable period of up to seven days in most cases.immediately issue a writ of recovery of premises and order to vacate Source: [Minnesota Statutes 504B.345](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504b.345), checked November 2026

- **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### ConfirmedWrit to lockout The writ must be given to the tenant at least 24 hours before the eviction, which only a law enforcement officer can carry out.must be provided to the tenant at least 24 hours before the actual eviction. Source: [Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants handbook, Other Important Laws](https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/CH4.asp), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout The landlord takes the writ to the sheriff, who acts if the tenant doesn't move.authorizing the sheriff to take certain actions if the tenant does not move voluntarily. Source: [Minnesota Judicial Branch: Instructions, Eviction Action Complaint (HOU101, rev. 1/24)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/HOU101.pdf), checked November 2026

- **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### ConfirmedPaying to stop the case When nonpayment is the only ground, the tenant can 'pay and stay' by bringing the past-due rent, interest, court costs and a capped attorney fee to the hearing.redeem or “pay and stay” Source: [Minnesota Judicial Branch: Instructions, Eviction Action Complaint (HOU101, rev. 1/24)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/HOU101.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) Limited: a tenant of federally subsidized public housing who faces eviction for an alleged breach of lease and can't afford a lawyer has the right to a court-appointed attorney. The judge asks at the first hearing. Other tenants have no statewide right.a defendant in federally subsidized public housing facing an eviction for breach of lease has the right to a court-appointed attorney Source: [Minnesota Statutes 504B.268 (right to counsel in public housing eviction cases)](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/2025-10-19%2014:07:52+00:00/cite/504B.268/pdf), checked November 2026
- #### Not confirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) Not confirmed — check [Minnesota Judicial Branch: Instructions, Eviction Action Complaint (HOU101, rev. 1/24)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/HOU101.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.

### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027

The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer.

| Stage | Earliest date |
| --- | --- |
| Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 |
| Answer or appear | Monday, March 8, 2027 |
| Hearing or trial | Monday, March 8, 2027 |
| Judgment | Monday, March 8, 2027 |
| Writ or warrant of possession | Monday, March 8, 2027 |
| Earliest lockout | Tuesday, March 9, 2027 |

Help the official pages name: Statewide Self-Help Center, 651-435-6535.

More: [Minnesota eviction process](/tools/eviction-process-minnesota) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=mn)

## Deposit disputes: small claims

- ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $20,000: the most a small claims case can ask for.General claims of $20,000 or less (Minnesota Judicial Branch conciliation court page). The branch's 2022 hearing booklet still shows the earlier $15,000 figure. Source: [Minnesota Judicial Branch: Conciliation Court](https://mncourts.gov/help-topics/conciliation-court), checked November 2026

More: [Minnesota small claims court](/tools/small-claims-minnesota)

## Still to confirm

- Diversion or mediation (statewide): check [Minnesota Judicial Branch: Instructions, Eviction Action Complaint (HOU101, rev. 1/24)](https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/HOU101.pdf)

General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word.

## Common questions

**How much can a security deposit be in Minnesota?**

No maximum in 504B.178.

**How long does a Minnesota landlord have to return a deposit?**

Within three weeks after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions; within five days if the tenant leaves because the building is legally condemned (subd. 3). What goes with it: A written statement showing the specific reason for withholding (subd. 3).

**How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Minnesota?**

From the landlord: If the lease is silent, written notice the other side receives at least one full rental period before the last day of the tenancy (the day before the last rent payment is due). Late notice is void. Same rule for both sides. From the tenant: If the lease is silent, written notice the other side receives at least one full rental period before the last day of the tenancy (the day before the last rent payment is due). Late notice is void. Same rule for both sides.

**What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in Minnesota?**

Since January 1, 2024, the landlord must give a detailed 14-day written notice, with information on financial and legal resources, before filing an eviction for unpaid rent.

**How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in Minnesota?**

Only for a reasonable business purpose, with at least 24 hours' notice, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless agreed otherwise. The right can't be waived in a lease.

**How long does an eviction case take in Minnesota?**

Time to answer or appear: At the hearing. Hearing after filing: 7 to 14 days. Judgment to writ: Up to 7 days. Writ to lockout: 24 hours. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer.

**What does it cost to file an eviction case in Minnesota?**

About $325, per the Attorney General's handbook; the court's fee schedule has the current amount.

Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords)

## Keep rental records in order

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