Minn. Stat. § 504B § 504B.182
INITIAL AND FINAL INSPECTION REQUIRED.
Operative Text
Subdivision 1.Initial inspection. (a) At the commencement of a residential tenancy, or within 14 days of a residential tenant occupying a unit, the landlord must notify the tenant of their option to request an initial inspection of the residential unit for the purposes of identifying existing deficiencies in the rental unit to avoid deductions for the security deposit of the tenant at a future date. If the tenant requests an inspection, the landlord and tenant shall schedule the inspection at a mutually acceptable date and time. (b) In lieu of an initial inspection or move-out inspection under subdivision 2, when a tenant agrees, a landlord may provide written acknowledgment to the tenant of photos or videos of a rental unit and agree to the condition of the rental unit at the start or end of the tenancy. Subd. 2.Move-out inspection. Within a reasonable time after notification of either a landlord or residential tenant's intention to terminate the tenancy, or before the end of the lease term, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing of the tenant's option to request a move-out inspection and of the tenant's right to be present at the inspection. At a reasonable time, but no earlier than five days before the termination or the end of the lease date, or day the tenant plans to vacate the unit, the landlord, or an agent of the landlord, shall, upon the request of the tenant, make a move-out inspection of the premises. The purpose of the move-out inspection shall be to allow the tenant an opportunity to remedy identified deficiencies, in a manner consistent with the rights and obligations of the parties under the rental agreement, in order to avoid deductions from the security deposit. If a tenant chooses not to request a move-out inspection, the duties of the landlord under this subdivision are discharged. If an inspection is requested, the parties shall attempt to schedule the inspection at a mutually acceptable date and time. Subd. 3.Other requirements under law. Nothing in this section changes the requirements or obligations under any other section of law, including but not limited to sections 504B.178, 504B.185, 504B.195, or 504B.271, 504B.375, and 504B.381. Subd. 4.Waiver. Except as allowed under subdivisions 1 and 2, when a tenant chooses not to request an initial or move-out inspection, or alternate inspection under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), any provision, whether oral or written, of any lease or other agreement, whereby any provision of this section is waived by a tenant, is contrary to public policy and void.
Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.182, Minnesota landlords are required to notify tenants of their right to request both an initial inspection at the start of a tenancy and a move-out inspection near the end of it. These inspections are designed to document the condition of the rental unit so that tenants have an opportunity to address any deficiencies before security deposit deductions are made. As an alternative to a formal inspection, landlords and tenants may mutually agree to use photos or videos to document the unit's condition. Lease provisions that attempt to waive these rights—outside of the narrow exceptions the statute allows—are void as contrary to public policy.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Minn. Stat. § 504B.182 places affirmative notification duties on landlords at two key points in a tenancy: at move-in (or within 14 days of occupancy) and upon notice of termination. Compliant operators typically provide written notice of the tenant's inspection options at both stages, schedule inspections at mutually agreeable times when requested, and document the unit's condition thoroughly—whether through a formal walkthrough or, with tenant agreement, through dated photos or videos. Maintaining clear records of these notifications and any agreed-upon documentation method helps demonstrate compliance with the statute's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. Stat. § 504B.182 gives Minnesota residential tenants the right to request an inspection of their unit both at the beginning and near the end of their tenancy, with the goal of identifying issues that could otherwise lead to security deposit deductions. If a landlord fails to provide the required written notice of these inspection options, tenants may be able to raise that failure in connection with any security deposit dispute. Tenants who believe their rights under this provision have been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, raising the issue before a housing court, or consulting with a legal aid office to understand the available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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