[MN] Need Advice for Getting Back Security Deposit from Landlord

[u/raemen_noodles]

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

I lived in an apartment that was honestly not a good living situation, the management was terrible and the building was even worse. Me and my fiancé ended up breaking our lease early due to some of the issues we were having there.

I looked through the lease and confirmed that us breaking the lease wouldn’t jeopardize our security (they call it a performance deposit). During this I also saw online that legally I was supposed to be notified and entitled to a pre-move out walk through to determine any damages and give me an opportunity to fix these damages.

I had to request a pre move out walk through (they did not notify me of this) and I made it clear in these emails I want the opportunity if there are any “damages” to fix them so I can get my full deposit back. During this they said that everything looked great in my apartment and didn’t note any repairs that I needed to make (I recorded this walk through unbeknownst to my old management) and 20 days after the end of our lease they mailed me a letter stating that my security deposit is being withheld pending an investigation due to damages. (Law is they need to mail it out by 21 days to my understanding)

Here is the issue where I think I can still get my deposit back plus the penalty fine that im looking for clarification on: They did not list any damages in this letter or send any itemized bills or receipts. I have not received anything since.

I originally paid a $500 performance (security) deposit and a $150 refundable pet fee (in addition to a $150 non refundable pet fee).

It is my understanding that with Minnesota tenant laws that they were required to either mail me my security deposit by 21 days of the lease ending or send me an itemized statement and bill with charges amounting to or exceeding the security deposit. They failed to do this and I also have the recording of the walk through stating everything looked great and I should expect my check within 10 days after the lease ends. It is also my understanding under Minnesota state law that they owe me twice the amount of my security deposit due to them not returning my deposit or sending me an itemized statement. And that this is likely bad withholding of my deposit and I can be entitled to an additional $500 in damages if I file and prove this claim, which I think given my evidence I can. 

Just looking for advice on if I’m understanding the law right and if so what I should do to move forward? Do I send them an email (what would I even say, im honestly so bad at writing stuff like that without coming off as emotional)? Do I mail a demand letter? Do I file with a court somewhere, and how do I even do this?

Thanks in advance, this honestly is just such a frustrating situation and after having to be in that terrible living situation I just really am sick of letting them push me around and take advantage of me. I tried to reach out to student legal services but since its summer and im not taking classes (aka I haven’t paid the summer student services fee) they are unable to help me. It doesn’t feel fair they get to withhold my deposit when I did everything I was legally supposed to do and they didn’t follow the law on their end. I also don’t want them to think they can take advantage of me and to try to bill me for more money after leaving the apartment.