What is the security deposit limit in Minnesota?

Minnesota has no statutory cap on security deposits (Minn. Stat. 504B.178/.211; 471.9996; verified June 2026). Market norms are 1–2 months rent.

Does Minnesota have rent control?

St. Paul enacted a rent stabilization ordinance in 2021 limiting annual rent increases to 3% for covered units. Minneapolis has not enacted rent control. St. Paul's ordinance has many exemptions and has faced legal challenges.

How much notice must a Minnesota landlord give before entering?

Minnesota requires at least 24 hours advance notice before entry, and entry is allowed only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Minn. Stat. 504B.211, amended 2024), except in emergencies. (Verified June 2026.)

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

21 days from move-out, with itemized deductions. If there is a dispute about the deposit, the landlord can hold it for 21 days while investigating.

What is the notice requirement to end an annual lease in Minnesota?

For tenancies over 1 year, Minnesota requires 3 months notice — one of the longest in the country. For month-to-month tenancies, 1 month notice is required.

Minnesota Tenant Rights & Lease Laws

Security Deposit Rules

Maximum Deposit No statutory cap

Return Deadline 21 days after move-out

Interest Required No

Notice Requirements

Landlord Entry Notice 24 hours (8am-8pm)

Lease Termination Notice (Month-to-Month) 30 days

Rent Increase Notice 30 days

Rent Control

Rent Control: Yes (some jurisdictions)

Habitability & Repair Requirements

Minnesota landlords are required to maintain rental units in habitable condition.

Market Conditions & Lease-Risk Notes for Minnesota

Minneapolis-St. Paul is the dominant market. Downtown Minneapolis commercial markets have seen significant office vacancy post-pandemic, but Northeast Minneapolis and the North Loop have recovered. Residential markets in Uptown, Edina, and St. Louis Park are competitive. Duluth is a smaller, more tenant-favorable market.

Minnesota is moderately to strongly tenant-protective. Minneapolis has strong local ordinances supplementing state law. St. Paul has attempted rent stabilization. The overall framework is significantly more protective than neighboring Midwest states.

St. Paul leases where rent stabilization applies — the ordinance was modified in 2023 and specific terms matter. Commercial leases in downtown Minneapolis where landlords are offering aggressive concessions that come with strings attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security deposit limit in Minnesota?: Minnesota has no statutory cap on security deposits (Minn. Stat. 504B.178/.211; 471.9996; verified June 2026). Market norms are 1–2 months rent.
Does Minnesota have rent control?: St. Paul enacted a rent stabilization ordinance in 2021 limiting annual rent increases to 3% for covered units. Minneapolis has not enacted rent control. St. Paul's ordinance has many exemptions and has faced legal challenges.
How much notice must a Minnesota landlord give before entering?: Minnesota requires at least 24 hours advance notice before entry, and entry is allowed only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Minn. Stat. 504B.211, amended 2024), except in emergencies. (Verified June 2026.)
How long does a Minnesota landlord have to return a security deposit?: 21 days from move-out, with itemized deductions. If there is a dispute about the deposit, the landlord can hold it for 21 days while investigating.
What is the notice requirement to end an annual lease in Minnesota?: For tenancies over 1 year, Minnesota requires 3 months notice — one of the longest in the country. For month-to-month tenancies, 1 month notice is required.

Cities in Minnesota

Find city-specific lease guides for major markets in Minnesota: