Minnesota Tenant Rights

Minnesota has comprehensive tenant protections under the landlord-tenant statutes (Minn.

Last reviewed: March 20, 2026

Key Laws by Topic

Notice Period:: At least one full rental period (30 days for monthly) written notice
Just Cause Required:: Yes in Minneapolis and St. Paul; no statewide requirement
Cure Or Quit Period:: 14 days for nonpayment; reasonable time to cure other violations
Minneapolis Protections:: Minneapolis Chapter 93 (2021) requires just cause for eviction

Limit:: No statutory cap
Return Deadline:: 21 days after tenancy ends and tenant provides forwarding address
Interest Required:: Yes — 1% simple interest per year
Itemization Required:: Yes — written itemized statement required
Penalty For Wrongful Withholding:: Landlord liable for double the wrongfully withheld amount plus interest and attorney fees

Repair And Deduct:: Not explicitly codified in Minnesota statutes
Rent Withholding:: Yes — rent escrow procedure available for housing code violations
Habitability Standard:: Reasonable repair; health and safety code compliance
Rent Escrow Process:: Tenant files rent escrow petition in district court; hearing held within 14 days

Anti Harassment:: Statutory damages for self-help eviction; anti-retaliation protection
Penalties:: Actual damages plus $500 plus attorney fees for unlawful exclusion
Self Help Prohibited:: Yes — lockouts and utility shutoffs are illegal statewide
Minneapolis Protections:: Minneapolis has a Renter Protection Fund and additional anti-harassment resources

Notice Required:: 24 hours advance notice for non-emergency entry
Emergency Entry:: Permitted without prior notice in emergency situations
Permissible Reasons:: Repairs, inspections, showing unit to prospective tenants or buyers
Time Of Entry:: Must be at a reasonable time (8 AM – 8 PM by custom)

Minneapolis and central Minnesota

Statewide Minnesota (tenant hotline)

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