Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Minnesota: How to Find and Claim Your Money

If you’ve ever paid a utility deposit or kept money in an escrow account in Minnesota, you might still be owed money and not realize it. Deposits and escrow balances that are never refunded can eventually be turned over as unclaimed property to the State of Minnesota.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds usually work in Minnesota and how people typically go about finding and claiming that money through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, not an unclaimed property office, and not a place to submit claims. This article is for information only to help you understand the process and know where to look next.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

In Minnesota, unclaimed property often includes:

• Utility deposits
  Money you paid to start or continue service with:

  • Electric companies
  • Natural gas providers
  • Water and sewer utilities
  • Some phone or internet providers

  If your account is closed or you move and the company can’t reach you, the deposit refund may become unclaimed.

• Escrow funds
  Money held by a third party for a specific purpose, such as:

  • Mortgage escrow (for property taxes and homeowners insurance)
  • Rental escrow (held by a landlord or property manager)
  • Construction or contractor escrow

  When the account is closed or the relationship ends and there’s a remaining balance, that money should usually be refunded to you. If it is not and the company can’t locate you, it may be treated as abandoned or unclaimed.

In Minnesota, businesses and financial institutions are generally required to turn unclaimed property over to the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Unclaimed Property program after a certain period (often a few years) with no activity and no successful contact with the owner.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Utility Deposits or Escrow Funds?

People are often surprised to learn they have unclaimed money. In Minnesota, you might have unclaimed deposits or escrow funds if you:

• Moved frequently, especially between rental homes or apartments
• Closed a utility account and never received or cashed the final refund check
• Changed your name (marriage, divorce, legal name change)
• Refinanced or paid off a mortgage, and the lender didn’t send or you didn’t receive an escrow refund
• Switched banks or moved out of state after a home sale or rental refund
• Lived in student housing or short-term rentals that required deposits
• Had a landlord or mortgage company that closed, merged, or was bought out

If any of this sounds familiar, it may be worth checking Minnesota’s official unclaimed property resources.

Who Handles Unclaimed Deposits and Escrow Funds in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, most unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are eventually reported to the Minnesota Department of Commerce – Unclaimed Property program.

Generally:

• Utility companies, mortgage servicers, landlords, and other businesses are considered holders of the funds.
• After a required waiting period (known as a dormancy period, often 1–5 years depending on the type of account), they are supposed to:
  • Try to contact the owner
  • Then, if they cannot locate the owner, turn the funds over to the state

From there, you can usually attempt to claim the money through the official Minnesota unclaimed property system, either online or by mail, depending on state procedures at the time you search.

Step-by-Step: How to Check for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Minnesota

The basic process usually involves these steps:

1. Gather Your Information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Current legal name
• Past names (maiden name, prior married names, or other legal name changes)
• Current and past Minnesota addresses, including:
  • Rental units
  • College housing
  • Previous homes you owned
• Name of your former utility providers or mortgage companies, if you remember them
• Social Security Number (SSN) or last four digits (some states use this for verification; never give your SSN to a site you are not sure is official)

You can still search even if you only remember parts of this information. Having more details ready just makes it easier to recognize which claims are likely yours.

2. Search the Official Minnesota Unclaimed Property System

Minnesota typically provides a state-run unclaimed property search through the Minnesota Department of Commerce. To find it:

• Search online for the official Minnesota Department of Commerce Unclaimed Property page
• Confirm that the website clearly shows it is a Minnesota state government site (for example, it may display the state seal and government branding)

On the state’s system, you can usually:

1. Enter your name (and possibly city or ZIP code)
2. Review a list of possible matches
3. Identify which listings match your:
   • Name
   • Former address
   • Former utility provider, mortgage lender, landlord, or company

📌 Important: HowToGetAssistance.org does not host these searches and cannot check for you. You must use Minnesota’s official unclaimed property website or contact the State of Minnesota directly.

3. Identify Utility and Escrow-Related Claims

When search results appear, look closely for:

• Type of property: Often labeled “utility deposit,” “deposit,” “escrow,” “refund,” or similar
• Holder name: Might show the name of:
  • A power, gas, or water company
  • A mortgage lender or servicer
  • A property management company or landlord
  • A title company or escrow company
• Amount: Many refunds are small, but some escrow refunds can be significant

You can typically choose which items you want to claim by checking boxes or selecting individual records.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds

Once you find a match that looks like your money, you usually need to file a claim with the State of Minnesota.

Processes can change, but they often follow this basic pattern:

1. Start the Claim Through the State’s Official Portal or Forms

On the official Minnesota unclaimed property page, you will usually be asked to:

• Create an account or provide basic contact details
• Select the unclaimed property entries you believe are yours
• Provide information like:
  • Full legal name
  • Current mailing address
  • Phone number and email
  • Relationship to the owner (if you are claiming on behalf of someone else or an estate)

Some people can complete everything online; others might need to print, sign, and mail a claim form, depending on the claim amount and state rules at the time.

2. Prepare Required Documents

To prove the money belongs to you, Minnesota commonly requires documentation. Requirements can vary by claim, but often include:

Identity and residency proof:

• Photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of current address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement

Proof connecting you to the old account or address:

• Old utility bills showing your name and address
• Mortgage statements or escrow account statements
• Lease agreements or rent receipts
• Closing documents from buying or selling a home
• Old bank statements showing deposits or payments to the company

For name changes:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

For deceased owners or estates:

• Death certificate
• Documents showing you are the executor, administrator, or legal heir (such as probate documents or a will, depending on Minnesota’s rules)

The more precisely you can link your identity to the name and address listed in the unclaimed record, the smoother the process usually is.

3. Submit the Claim and Documents

Depending on Minnesota’s current process:

• You may be allowed to upload documents through the state’s official online portal; or
• You might need to mail copies (never mail original IDs) to the Minnesota Department of Commerce or another official state address provided on the claim instructions

Be sure to:

• Read the instructions on the claim form or portal carefully
• Include all requested documents
• Keep copies of everything you send

What Happens After You File a Claim?

After the Minnesota Unclaimed Property program receives your claim:

1. Review and verification
   Staff will check:

   • Your identity
   • Your connection to the address or account
   • Whether anyone else has claimed the same property

2. Requests for more information
   If anything is unclear, they may:

   • Send you a letter
   • Email or call you (depending on what contact details you provided)
     Asking for:
   • Additional documents
   • Clarification about name changes, addresses, or relationships

3. Approval or denial

   • If approved, the state usually issues a check mailed to the address you provided.
   • If denied, you should receive a notice explaining why, or instructions on what is missing.

How long does it take?

Timelines can vary depending on:

• Volume of claims
• Complexity of your documentation
• Whether the state requests additional information

Many straightforward claims are processed in a few weeks to a few months, but each case can be different.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

People sometimes run into obstacles when claiming unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds. Common issues include:

• Incomplete documentation
  Missing ID, no proof of address, or lack of evidence tying you to the listed property.

• Name mismatch
  The name on the unclaimed property doesn’t match your current legal name, and you did not provide documents showing the name change.

• Incorrect or outdated contact information
  The state sends a letter or email that never reaches you, slowing down the process.

• Multiple people involved
  When property is jointly owned (spouses, multiple owners, business partners), the state may require extra signatures or proof.

• Estate issues
  When the person named is deceased and the estate process is complicated or incomplete, more legal paperwork may be required.

If your claim is delayed, you can typically contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Unclaimed Property program using the phone number or mailing address listed on their official site to ask about the status or what is missing.

What If You Disagree with a Decision?

If Minnesota’s unclaimed property office denies your claim or only partially approves it:

• Carefully review the explanation provided in writing.
• Check what reasons are given (for example, lack of proof or conflicting information).
• Gather additional documents that might address those concerns.

Some states allow:

• Re-submitting a claim with stronger documentation
• Appealing or requesting a review, especially if you believe there was an error

To understand your options, you would typically need to:

• Contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce directly
• Ask about their appeal or reconsideration process, if they have one

If the amount is large or the situation is complicated (for example, involving estates or business ownership), some people choose to talk with a private attorney for legal advice. HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal representation or advice.

Special Situations: Landlords, Mortgage Companies, and Businesses

Landlords and Property Managers

If you rented in Minnesota and paid:

• Security deposits
• Pet deposits
• Key or parking deposits
• Prepaid rent

And never received your refund:

1. Try contacting the former landlord or management company directly if they still operate.
2. If you cannot locate them, or they are no longer in business, any leftover deposits may have been turned over to Minnesota’s Unclaimed Property program after the required time.
3. Search the state’s unclaimed property system under your name and the address of the rental.

Mortgage Escrow Refunds

If you:

• Paid off or refinanced a mortgage in Minnesota
• Switched mortgage servicers
• Sold your home and were promised an escrow refund

It’s possible an escrow balance remained in your name. If you never receive it:

1. Contact your former mortgage servicer and ask about any remaining escrow refund.
2. If they cannot help, check Minnesota’s unclaimed property under your name and former property address.

Businesses and Organizations

If you owned a:

• Small business
• Nonprofit
• Rental property under an LLC or corporate name

Deposits, escrow funds, or refunds might be listed under the business’s legal name. In that case:

• Search using the business name as well as your personal name.
• Be prepared to show documents proving your authority to claim money on behalf of the business (articles of incorporation, business licenses, or similar documents).

Documents to Gather: At-a-Glance Guide

Below is a simple reference for the types of documents often requested when claiming unclaimed utility or escrow funds in Minnesota. Requirements can vary, so always follow instructions from the official Minnesota unclaimed property office.

Having these ready before you start your claim can reduce delays.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Minnesota Channel

Because unclaimed property involves money, scams and unofficial “finders” sometimes try to profit. To protect yourself:

• Verify the website

  • Look for clear signs it is an official Minnesota state government site (state branding, clear agency names, government-style URL).
  • Avoid entering your SSN or ID details on sites that look suspicious or overly commercial.

• Be cautious of fees

  • Many states, including Minnesota, allow you to search and claim unclaimed property directly through the state at no cost.
  • Some private “finder” services charge fees or a percentage to do this on your behalf. That is usually optional, not required.

• Watch for pressure tactics

  • Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly about unclaimed funds and demands:
    • Upfront payment
    • Your full Social Security Number
    • Bank account information over the phone or in an email

• Use official contact numbers

  • If you are unsure a letter or email is real, look up the Minnesota Department of Commerce phone number directly using a trusted source, and call them to verify.

What If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Property?

If your search doesn’t show any unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds:

• Try searching under past names or slight spelling variations
• Include old addresses and cities where you lived, rented, or owned property
• Repeat the search occasionally, as companies may report new unclaimed property to the state over time

If you suspect a specific company still owes you money and nothing appears on the state search:

1. Contact the utility provider, landlord, property manager, or mortgage servicer directly.
2. Ask for a final account statement and clarification about deposits or escrow balances.
3. If they confirm a refund was sent but you never received or cashed it, ask how they handle unclaimed or returned checks; they may be in the process of reporting it to the state.

Alternatives and Additional Help

If you do not find unclaimed money but still need financial help with housing or utilities in Minnesota, there may be other resources available, such as:

• Energy assistance programs (often administered by community action agencies or county offices)
• Local housing authorities for rental assistance and housing programs
• Minnesota county human services or social services departments
• 211 (by phone) to get connected with local assistance programs and referrals

These resources are separate from unclaimed property. HowToGetAssistance.org does not operate any of these programs, but understanding they exist can help you know what to ask about when contacting local or state offices.

Unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds in Minnesota can be surprisingly common, especially after moves, name changes, or mortgage changes. By checking the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Unclaimed Property program, gathering the right documents, and submitting a clear claim through official channels, many people are able to recover money they didn’t realize they were owed.