Minnesota does not allow a landlord to keep security deposit money for ordinary wear and tear. The landlord may withhold for restoration beyond ordinary wear, but the charge should be tied to actual condition, not normal aging from living in the rental.
If the landlord keeps money for alleged damage, the landlord should be able to explain the specific reason and prove why the charge is more than ordinary wear.
That is the practical leverage. A vague charge is weaker when your photos, inspection records, move-in proof, and the landlord's own written statement do not show damage beyond ordinary use.
Examples that may look like ordinary wear
- Minor scuffs from normal use.
- Fading, aging, or minor carpet wear from ordinary living.
- Small nail holes or minor wall marks, depending on the facts and lease.
- Appliances or fixtures wearing down from ordinary use.
Evidence that helps
- Move-in photos and inspection records.
- Move-out photos and video.
- Any move-out inspection request or inspection messages.
- Any photo or video acknowledgment used instead of an inspection.
- Lease terms and deposit records.
- The landlord's written statement showing the specific reason for withholding.
What to do next
- Minnesota security deposit deductions
- Minnesota evidence guide
- Minnesota move-out checklist
- Minnesota demand letter guide
The free guide helps you organize the ordinary-wear argument. The paid system gives you the Minnesota letters that connect that argument to the written-statement rule, proof burden, and final demand sequence.