Security Deposit

• Landlords in Minnesota have the right to collect a security deposit from tenants. The security deposit may not be used to pay rent during the lease, but may be used at the end of the lease to resolve any outstanding amounts owed to the landlord (e.g., unpaid rent, utilities bills, damage repairs). Minnesota law does not cap the amount a landlord may require as a security deposit. If the tenant does not owe any monies to the landlord at the end of the lease, the landlord must return the security deposit within 21 days.
  
  

Lease

• A valid lease agreement in Minnesota may be either written or verbal unless the building is comprised of 12 or more units, in which case a written lease is required. Tenants signing a written lease must be given a copy of the lease. If a tenant is not given a copy of the lease and legal action regarding the tenancy ensues, the tenant may raise, as an affirmative defense, that he was never given a copy of the lease.
  
  

Maintenance

• Landlords in Minnesota must ensure a rental unit is habitable and in compliance with state and local health and housing codes. Reasonable repairs to the unit must be made by the landlord and the landlord's duty to repair cannot be waived by either the landlord or the tenant.