Minnesota Tenant Rights Laws

Statutes

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B

Security Deposits

• Minnesota law does not limit the amount that a landlord can require as a security deposit
• Within 21 days of the end of a tenancy, landlord must return remainder of security deposit and simple interest or a written explanation of why security deposit is being withheld

Paying Rent

• Rent is owed as set forth in the lease
• Landlord can increase rent for periodic lease at any point after giving notice, typically the rental period plus one day

Living Conditions

• Landlord required to keep premises fit to live in and in "reasonable repair"
• Typically, landlord can only enter unit for "reasonable business purpose" after making good faith effort to give tenant proper notice; violation of this law entitles tenant to up to $100 per violation
• If landlord refuses to make repairs, tenant can bring an abatement action for the return of rent
• Tenant can also withhold rent until repair is made

Discrimination

• Landlord cannot refuse to sell, rent, or lease on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, public assistance status, sexual orientation, disability, or familial status

Ending or Renewing a Tenancy

• A periodic tenancy (one that runs from one rental period to the next, typically month-to-month) can be terminated with proper notice as defined by the lease
• A definite term lease (one for a set duration of time) is typically written contains terms regarding notice necessary to terminate lease
• Definite term leases may contain automatic renewal clauses
• Tenants who vacate a unit in winter must give at least 3 days' notice to landlords to avoid pipe freezing; a tenant's failure to do so is a misdemeanor
• Landlord can initiate eviction proceedings for nonpayment of rent, breach of lease, or illegal tenant activity

Retaliation

• Landlord may not evict a tenant or end tenancy in retaliation for tenant's good faith exercise of tenant rights
• Landlord cannot raise rent, cut services, or adversely change rental terms in retaliation against tenant