Join the 550,000+ independent landlords who rely on TurboTenant to create welcoming rental experiences.
No tricks or trials to worry about. So what’s the harm? Try it today!
Minnesota is an excellent option for those looking to relocate or invest in real estate. Employment rates are among the highest in the country, meaning there is a high demand for rental housing, plus stable housing rates. Minnesota is a top state for investors and renters alike.
Laws that impact the rental market, landlords, and tenants are constantly being decided in states. Make sure you know what’s on your ballot – find Minnesota voting information here.
When it comes to Minnesota rental laws, there are a few specifics landlords need to know:
Pro Tip: Perfecting your tenant screening process can shorten your vacancy cycle by helping you find renters who align with your occupancy needs. At a minimum, your applicant screening should explore prospective tenants’ rental history, credit report, and criminal record. Note that you cannot consider misdemeanors with dates of sentencing older than three years, nor can you consider felonies with dates of sentencing older than seven years during the criminal background check. You also cannot consider convictions for specific felonies with dates of sentencing older than 10 years, including first-degree murder or first-degree arson.
A Minnesota rental application fee must not exceed the actual cost of screening. Any extra money beyond what’s needed for a screening should be refunded.
Landlords can screen for criminal history, but with Minneapolis’ 2020 ordinance, Minneapolis landlords can no longer deny an applicant on the basis of a misdemeanor if the conviction is older than three years. A felony conviction older than seven years cannot be used to deny an applicant. Also, an eviction history older than three years cannot be a basis for rejection.
Minnesota landlords can charge an 8% late fee.
Security deposits must accrue interest at 1% per annum.
Landlords must notify tenants of this handbook and make it available to them. Additionally, landlords must include the following disclosures in the lease:
Build a Minnesota lease agreement in less than 15 minutes.
There are three sections to a residential lease agreement. The first section outlines the custom details of the contract, such as who’s involved and for what address. Here’s an example Minnesota lease agreement listing details found in Section 1:
Below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to landlord-tenant laws in the state of Minnesota:
The only case in which a tenant may withhold rent in Minnesota is under the repair and deduct statute. This takes effect if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, then the tenant may pay for the repairs and deduct the cost from their next rent payment.
Evicting a tenant in Minnesota typically takes less than 30 days, depending on the reason for eviction.
Minnesota is a fairly landlord-friendly state with few rent control laws. It does not require notice before evicting tenants. Make sure to always check local area laws, along with state laws, to ensure you’re fully educated.
There are four reasons a landlord may file for eviction in Minnesota. The four reasons include nonpayment of rent, violation of the lease agreement, end of lease term, and illegal activity. Depending on the violation, the landlord must give the tenant notice that they have broken the lease and anywhere from seven to 30 days to cure their violation.
If the renter fails to cure or end their tenancy, the landlord may file a complaint with the court, which will then be served to the tenant within 24 hours. The eviction hearing will then be held five to 14 days after the tenant has been served.
If the court rules in favor of the landlord, then a writ of execution will be issued immediately. Once the tenant has been served the writ of execution, they will have 24 hours to move out.
Landlords must give tenants a 30-day notice before requiring them to move out.
TurboTenant has utilized many municipal sources along with official state statutes in order to compile this information to the best of our ability. However, local laws are always in flux, and landlords and tenants alike should be sure to do their due diligence and consult legal help when it’s needed. We hope the following list can serve as a valuable resource and allow you to succeed as a landlord or tenant in Minnesota. Be sure to take proper precautions when it comes to finding the top candidates for your unit by utilizing our online rental application and tenant screening services.
Disclaimer:
TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws and consult legal counsel should questions arise.
Create a single Minnesota lease agreement, or subscribe and receive unlimited lease agreements, landlord forms pack, and e-signs for a simple annual fee. Be confident with all the legal forms and tools you need as a professional landlord.
Discover Our Unlimited PlanJoin the 550,000+ independent landlords who rely on TurboTenant to create welcoming rental experiences.
No tricks or trials to worry about. So what’s the harm? Try it today!