Minnesota landlord-tenant law FAQ
40 answers to common Minnesota landlord questions. Every answer is a verified fact with its official source and last-checked date.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Minnesota?
No maximum. Minnesota's deposit statute sets interest, return and withholding rules but no cap on the amount.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full security deposit limit page
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Minnesota?
Within three weeks after the tenancy ends (and after receiving the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions): return the deposit with interest, or a written statement of reasons for withholding.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full deposit return deadline page
How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Minnesota?
A reasonable business purpose and at least 24 hours' notice, with a time or window, and entry only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless agreed otherwise. Exceptions apply for emergencies.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full notice to enter page
How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Minnesota?
Periodic tenancy: written notice of one rental period plus one day. A definite-term lease can't raise rent during the term unless the lease allows it.
Verified Source: Minnesota Attorney General, Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities (During the Tenancy) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent increase notice page
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Minnesota, and how much?
Allowed only if agreed in writing (the agreement must say when the fee applies); the fee may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent payment.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.177(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fees page
What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Minnesota?
Before filing for nonpayment, the landlord must deliver a written notice with the amount due and required statements; the landlord may file only if the tenant does not pay or move out within 14 days (longer if a local law requires).
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.321, subd. 1a · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction notice (nonpayment) page
Can cities in Minnesota pass rent control?
Cities, counties and towns may not adopt rent control on private residential property unless the ordinance or charter amendment is approved by voters in a general election.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 471.9996 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent control / state preemption page
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Minnesota?
Either party may end a tenancy at will with written notice at least as long as the interval between rent due dates or three months, whichever is less. For a month-to-month tenancy, that means one full rental period.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.135 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full ending a month-to-month tenancy page
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Minnesota?
Deposits earn simple, non-compounded interest of 1% a year, from the first day of the month after the deposit is fully paid until the deposit is returned. Interest under $1 is excluded.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 2 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full interest on deposits page
Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Minnesota?
Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (read in full on 2026-10-15) requires no move-in or move-out inspection or condition checklist.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. ch. 504B · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full move-in/move-out checklist page
Is landlord retaliation illegal in Minnesota?
A tenant has a defense to eviction if the termination was meant to penalize a good-faith attempt to enforce rights or a good-faith report of code violations to a government authority. If the notice to quit came within 90 days of that act, the landlord must prove it was not retaliatory. Retaliatory rent increases or service cuts are also a defense to eviction for nonpayment.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.285, subds. 2–3 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full retaliation protections page
Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Minnesota?
Intentionally ousting a tenant, or cutting electricity, heat, gas or water to force a tenant out, is a misdemeanor. A tenant who is unlawfully removed or kept out in bad faith may recover treble damages or $500, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees, and may petition the court to regain possession.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.225, 504B.231, 504B.375 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lockouts and utility shutoffs page
What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Minnesota?
If code or lease violations are not fixed after notice, a tenant may deposit rent with the court administrator in a rent escrow action and ask the court to order repairs. Emergency and tenant remedies actions are also available.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.385, 504B.381, 504B.395 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full repairs and habitability remedies page
What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Minnesota?
Before the tenancy starts, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the manager and of the landlord or an agent for service, and post that notice on the premises. Landlords must also disclose outstanding inspection and condemnation orders.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.181, subd. 1–2; 504B.195 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full required lease disclosures page
What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Minnesota?
If a tenant abandons the unit, the landlord must store the property. It may be sold or disposed of 28 days after the landlord learns of, or reasonably concludes, the abandonment. The landlord must make reasonable efforts to notify the tenant at least 14 days before a sale. Remaining sale proceeds go to the tenant on written demand.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.271, subd. 1 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full abandoned property page
Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Minnesota?
A tenant who fears imminent violence after domestic abuse, criminal sexual conduct, sexual extortion or harassment may end the lease without penalty. The tenant must give signed, dated advance written notice with a qualifying document.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.206 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full early termination (dv/military) page
Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Minnesota?
A late fee may be charged after the due date only if agreed in writing, and it may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent. There is no statutory grace period.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.177(a) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full late fee grace period page
How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Minnesota?
A screening fee can't be charged when no unit is available, can't be cashed until earlier applicants are resolved, and must be returned if the applicant is rejected for an undisclosed reason or someone else takes the unit.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.173 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full application fees & screening page
Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Minnesota?
An automatic-renewal clause is enforceable only if the landlord gives written notice pointing to it, served 15–30 days before the tenant's deadline to give notice of leaving.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.145 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full lease renewal / non-renewal notice page
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Minnesota?
Landlords may not refuse to rent or set different terms because of a person's status with regard to public assistance.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 363A.09 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full source of income discrimination page
How does the eviction court process work in Minnesota?
The landlord files a complaint, and the court sets the first appearance 7 to 14 days after the summons is issued (expedited hearings are available for certain serious conduct).
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.321 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction court process & timeline page
What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Minnesota?
After the death of the tenant (or of all tenants), either the landlord or the estate's personal representative may end the lease with at least two months' written notice, effective on the last day of a calendar month. The estate still owes rent through the termination date.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.265 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full death of a tenant page
What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Minnesota?
If a tenant stays after the lease expires without the landlord's express agreement, the only tenancy implied is one for the shortest rent-payment interval under the old lease (for example, month-to-month).
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.141 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full holdover tenants page
Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Minnesota?
Instead of paying the landlord, a tenant may deposit the rent with the court administrator to force repairs. For a code violation, the deposit can be made once the repair deadline in the inspector's written notice has passed. For other violations, the tenant first gives written notice and waits 14 days.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.385, subd. 1 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent withholding / escrow page
Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Minnesota?
Every dwelling unit must have a smoke alarm that meets the State Fire Code and is mounted according to the location rules.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 299F.362, subd. 3 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full smoke & co detectors page
Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Minnesota?
The state landlord-tenant statute (Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (Landlord and Tenant), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on a tenant repair-and-deduct remedy. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (Landlord and Tenant) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full repair and deduct page
Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Minnesota?
A search of the full text of Minn. Stat. ch. 504B found no rule requiring or barring landlord consent to sublet. The lease controls.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full subletting & assignment page
What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Minnesota?
A landlord may ask for supporting documentation from a licensed professional for each service or support animal, unless the disability or need is obvious or already known. Landlords also may not require declawing or devocalizing of pets as a rental condition (§ 504B.114).
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.113, 504B.114 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals page
What is the eviction record sealing rule in Minnesota?
An eviction case is not public until the court enters a final judgment. The court must dismiss and expunge any case where the landlord failed to meet the complaint and service requirements.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.321, subds. 5-6 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full eviction record sealing page
What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Minnesota?
A search of the full text of Minn. Stat. ch. 504B found no requirement for landlords to pay tenants relocation assistance. Government relocation programs, such as those for public projects, are in other laws not reviewed here.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (searched in full) · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full tenant relocation assistance page
What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Minnesota?
A landlord who receives rent in cash must give a written receipt right away if paid in person, or within three business days otherwise.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.118 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full rent receipts, payment methods & cash page
What is the condo conversion protections rule in Minnesota?
For one year after a common interest community is created from rental property, an occupant can only be required to move after a notice given at least 120 days before the move-out date. The notice must explain the occupant's rights and include a purchase agreement for the unit.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 515B.4-111 · last checked 2026-10-15 · Full condo conversion protections page
What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Minnesota?
Yes, for nonpayment. Unless the landlord also claims a material lease violation, the tenant can redeem the tenancy at any time before possession is handed over by paying the amount owed (rent plus allowed costs) to the landlord or the court. Code text: "the tenant may, at any time before possession has been delivered, redeem the tenancy and be restored to possession."
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.291, subd. 1(a) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full right to cure / redeem page
What is the manufactured / mobile home parks rule in Minnesota?
A park owner may take back a manufactured home lot only for the reasons listed in the statute. Rent increases need 60 days' written notice, and a park can raise a resident's rent at most twice in any 12 months. Code text: "A park owner may recover possession of land upon which a manufactured home is situated only for a reason specified in this section or section 327C.095."
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 327C.06, 327C.09 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full manufactured / mobile home parks page
What rights does a tenant have after foreclosure in Minnesota?
A tenant whose lease began after the mortgage was signed and who was renting during the foreclosure redemption period must get at least 90 days' written notice to vacate from the new owner, given no sooner than the end of the redemption period. Code text: "the immediate successor in interest must provide at least 90 days' written notice to vacate."
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.285, subd. 1a · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full foreclosure tenant protections page
What is the domestic violence early termination rule in Minnesota?
A tenant who fears imminent violence after domestic abuse, criminal sexual conduct, sexual extortion or harassment may end the lease without penalty by giving signed, dated advance written notice. Code text: "A tenant to a residential lease may terminate a lease agreement in the manner provided in this section without penalty or liability, if the tenant or another authorized occupant fears imminent violence after being subjected to: (1) domestic abuse."
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.206 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full domestic violence early termination page
What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Minnesota?
Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after."
Verified Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full military lease termination (federal scra, all states) page
What is the tenant buyout disclosures rule in Minnesota?
The state landlord-tenant statute (Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (Landlord and Tenant), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on tenant buyout agreements or buyout disclosures. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (Landlord and Tenant) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full tenant buyout disclosures page
What is the guest & occupancy limits rule in Minnesota?
The state landlord-tenant statute (Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (Landlord and Tenant), read in full on 2026-10-16) has no provision on guest stays or occupancy limits. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (Landlord and Tenant) · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full guest & occupancy limits page
What is the property manager licensing rule in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, a person who rents or manages real estate for another for compensation is a real estate broker (§ 82.55, subd. 19) and must be licensed. Statute text: "No person shall act as a real estate broker or real estate salesperson unless licensed as provided in this section" (Minn. Stat. §§ 82.55, subd. 19; 82.81, subd. 1).
Verified Source: Minn. Stat. §§ 82.55, subd. 19; 82.81, subd. 1 · last checked 2026-10-16 · Full property manager licensing page
Minnesota cities with their own rules
- Albert Lea landlord rules
- Anoka landlord rules
- Bemidji landlord rules
- Blaine landlord rules
- Bloomington landlord rules
- Brooklyn Park landlord rules
- Champlin landlord rules
- Coon Rapids landlord rules
- Duluth landlord rules
- Eagan landlord rules
- East Bethel landlord rules
- Edina landlord rules
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