'Housing Hub' Withheld Security Deposits For Normal Wear And Tear: AG

RAMSEY COUNTY, MN — A St. Paul-based property management company has agreed to settle after illegally withholding tenants’ security deposits, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Monday.

Under the settlement, "Housing Hub" must return $63,000 in refunds to its tenants and change its security deposit retention practices to comply with state law.

"Having a safe, affordable roof over your head is essential to living with safety, dignity, and respect," Ellison said in a news release.

"Part of that is landlords following the law and returning tenants their security deposits. I am pleased that Housing Hub has agreed to refund its tenants and change its security deposit practices going forward."

In Minnesota, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants for routine turnover costs or repairs from normal wear and tear.

But Housing Hub told tenants were told they were "required to leave the property in its original condition," according to Ellison's office.

Housing Hub systematically charged tenants for professional carpet cleaning upon move-out, according to investigators.

The company also charged tenants for replacing smoke detector batteries, lightbulbs, and furnace filters, Ellison's office said.

Another stipulation of the settlement is that Housing Hub must provide tenants with evidence that their unit required professional cleaning to restore it to its original condition, beyond ordinary wear and tear.

• Read the full settlement here.
• Find tenant resources at this link.

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