Landlord Tenant Laws in Minnesota (MN)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Minnesota's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Minn. Stat. § 504B.001 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of B (Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Minnesota allows local rent stabilization (St. Paul voters approved rent control in 2021). Tenants have strong protections including rent escrow through district court. Interest on deposits required for landlords with 12+ units.
Security Deposit Rules in Minnesota
Minnesota does not impose a statutory cap on security deposits, meaning landlords can charge any amount they choose. However, excessively high deposits may discourage prospective tenants and could be challenged in court as unconscionable. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Minnesota
In Minnesota, a landlord must provide 14 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is one of the longer notice periods nationally, giving tenants meaningful time to pay overdue rent or find alternative housing. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Minnesota.
Tenant Rights in Minnesota
Tenants in Minnesota have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Minnesota
Minnesota allows individual cities and municipalities to adopt their own rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This means tenant protections can vary significantly depending on where you live within the state. Check your local city ordinances for specific rent control provisions.
Landlord Obligations in Minnesota
Landlords in Minnesota are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide Reasonable notice notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 21 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Minnesota
Many cities in Minnesota have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis voters approved a rent stabilization charter amendment in 2021. Additional tenant protections including just cause eviction screening criteria limitations.
St. Paul
St. Paul approved rent control in 2021 capping annual increases at 3%. Strongest rent control in the Midwest. Some exemptions for new construction.
Rochester
Follows state law. No additional local tenant protections.
Duluth
No local rent control or additional tenant protections beyond state law.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Minnesota scores 66 out of 100, earning a grade of B (Tenant-Friendly).
How Minnesota Compares
Below is a comparison of Minnesota with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Minnesota falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (MN) | 66 | B | No statutory limit | 14 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Maine (ME) | 67 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Rhode Island (RI) | 67 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Washington (WA) | 65 | B | No statutory limit | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Maryland (MD) | 69 | B | 2 months' rent | 10 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Alaska (AK) | 61 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the security deposit limit is No statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit within 21 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Minnesota?
For nonpayment of rent, Minnesota requires 14 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Minnesota if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Minnesota allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Minnesota have rent control?
Minnesota allows local municipalities to enact rent control. Check with your city for local rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Minnesota?
Landlords in Minnesota must give Reasonable notice notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Minnesota are primarily found in Minn. Stat. § 504B.001 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.