Minnesota
Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Laws (2026): Deposits, Notice, and Tenant Rights
Minnesota does not cap the security deposit amount, but landlords must return it within 21 days of the tenancy ending (5 days if the building is condemned). Landlords must give 24 hours advance notice before entering and may only enter between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Security deposits in Minnesota
Minnesota imposes no statutory maximum on the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit. In practice, most landlords charge one to two months of rent, but there is no law preventing a higher amount. Once the tenancy ends, the landlord has 21 days to return the deposit, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. The 21-day clock starts on the date the tenant vacates and surrenders the keys. If the building is condemned and the tenancy ends involuntarily, the deadline shortens to five days.
Allowable deductions include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other costs specifically allowed by the lease. Cosmetic scuffs, minor carpet wear, and ordinary paint touch-ups do not qualify. If a landlord fails to return the deposit or the itemized statement on time, Minn. Stat. 504B.178 subd. 4 makes the landlord liable for the portion of the deposit withheld plus interest as a penalty, in addition to returning the portion that was wrongfully withheld. Where the landlord retained the deposit in bad faith, subdivision 7 allows punitive damages of up to $500 for each deposit. The penalty is keyed to the deposit, not to a number of months of rent.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deposit cap | No statutory limit |
| Return deadline | 21 days (5 days if condemned) |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | Amount withheld plus interest, as a penalty, on top of returning it; up to $500 punitive for bad faith |
| Deposit interest | 1% simple noncompounded per year |
| Statute | Minn. Stat. 504B.178 |
Minnesota does not require a landlord to hold the deposit in a separate trust or escrow account. Minn. Stat. 504B.178 subd. 2 says the deposit is not received in a fiduciary capacity within the meaning of section 82.55, subdivision 26, but is held by the landlord for the tenant.
That same subdivision does require interest, and it is not optional or dependent on the lease. The deposit bears simple noncompounded interest at the rate of one percent per year, computed from the first day of the month following full payment of the deposit through the last day of the month in which the landlord returns it. Interest totaling less than $1 is not paid. Under subdivision 3, the landlord must return the deposit with that interest.
When can a landlord enter? Notice rules
Under Minn. Stat. 504B.211, a landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours advance notice before entering the rental unit. Entry is restricted to the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Both requirements protect tenants from surprise entries during overnight hours or on short notice.
There is an emergency exception. If a pipe bursts, a fire breaks out, or there is another genuine emergency threatening life or property, the landlord may enter immediately without advance notice. The landlord should still document the reason for the emergency entry.
Permitted purposes for non-emergency entry include making repairs, showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, or inspecting for lease compliance. A landlord who enters without proper notice or outside permitted hours may be liable for damages. If a landlord repeatedly violates the entry rules, the tenant may have grounds to terminate the lease.
Ending a lease: notice to vacate
For a month-to-month tenancy, Minnesota requires notice at least equal to the rent-payment interval. For a monthly tenancy, that means one full month of advance notice. The notice must be given before the beginning of the last rental period, not simply 30 days from the date it is handed over. Landlords and tenants have the same notice requirement for month-to-month agreements.
Fixed-term leases do not require a separate notice to vacate. The lease expires on the date stated in the agreement. If neither party acts, a fixed-term lease may automatically convert to a month-to-month arrangement under some lease terms.
For nonpayment of rent or lease violations, the landlord must follow the eviction (unlawful detainer) process, which starts with a written notice. See the Minnesota eviction notice page for the specific notice periods required before filing in court.
Preparing a Minnesota notice to end a tenancy
For nonpayment or a lease violation, the free Minnesota eviction notice page linked above lists the notice periods required before filing, and a month-to-month notice from either side needs no paid tool. PDFelement is paid software for editing a notice as a PDF, e-signing it, or converting a Word draft into a PDF. It does not change the rule that notice must be given before the last rental period begins, and it does not make a notice valid by itself.
See PDFelement FeaturesAffiliate disclosure: if you sign up through this link we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Repairs and the warranty of habitability
Minnesota recognizes an implied warranty of habitability under Minn. Stat. 504B.161. The landlord is legally required to maintain the premises in a condition fit for residential use. This includes keeping the structure weathertight, maintaining heat to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit during heating season, providing functioning plumbing and electrical systems, and ensuring the unit is free from conditions that are a material danger to the health or safety of tenants.
If a landlord fails to make a necessary repair, Minnesota routes tenants through the courts rather than through self-help. No Minnesota statute lets a tenant hire a contractor and subtract the bill from the rent on their own initiative.
Rent escrow: under Minn. Stat. 504B.385, a tenant may deposit the rent due with the court administrator instead of paying it to the landlord. This normally follows a written notice of a code violation issued under Minn. Stat. 504B.185, and the tenant may not deposit the rent until the time granted to make repairs has expired without satisfactory repairs being made. While proceedings are pending, the tenant must keep paying rent to the landlord or as the court directs and may not withhold rent to remedy the violation.
Tenant remedies action: Minn. Stat. 504B.395 supplies the procedure for bringing the case, including venue and pleading requirements. The landlord must be informed in writing of the alleged violation at least 14 days before the action is brought.
Court-ordered repairs: if the court finds the violation proved, Minn. Stat. 504B.425 lets it order a range of remedies. Paragraph (c) allows the court to order the tenant to remedy the violation and deduct the cost from the rent on terms the court determines to be just, and paragraph (g) allows a judgment for a prevailing tenant's reasonable attorney fees, not to exceed $500. Deducting repair costs is a remedy a judge grants after a hearing, not a step a tenant takes first.
Rent, late fees, and rent control
Minn. Stat. 504B.177 governs late fees. A landlord may not charge a late fee at all unless the tenant and landlord have agreed in writing that a late fee may be imposed, and that agreement must specify when the late fee will be imposed. Where such a written agreement exists, the late fee may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent payment. A landlord who charges more than 8% is in violation of the statute. There is no separate grace period mandated by state law, though many leases provide one.
Minnesota does not impose a statewide limit on how much rent a landlord can charge or by how much rent can be increased. However, the state is one of a small number that does NOT preempt local rent control outright. Local rent control ordinances are permitted, but only if approved by voters in a referendum.
Saint Paul is the only Minnesota city with rent stabilization actually in effect. Voters approved it in November 2021 and the ordinance took effect May 1, 2022, limiting residential rent increases to no more than 3% in a 12-month period. Later amendments took effect January 1, 2023 and June 13, 2025, adding an exemption for newly constructed rental housing and processes for a landlord to request a larger increase. Saint Paul landlords and tenants should confirm current rules with the city, as the program has exemptions and administrative steps.
Minneapolis does not have rent stabilization. Minneapolis voters approved a 2021 charter amendment authorizing the City Council to regulate rents, but the city's own rent stabilization page says the council may still only consider such a policy and that any ordinance it passes would have to go on a ballot for voter approval. No ordinance has been adopted, so nothing currently caps how much a Minneapolis landlord may raise the rent. No other Minnesota city has active rent stabilization.
If you have a landlord-tenant dispute in Minnesota
The most important thing a tenant can do in any dispute is create a paper trail. Send all repair requests, notices, and complaints in writing, preferably by email or certified mail. Photograph conditions before and after any repair. Keep copies of all correspondence and receipts.
For security deposit disputes, Minnesota small claims court (Conciliation Court) hears cases up to $20,000 under Minn. Stat. 491A.01, or up to $4,000 if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction. Filing fees are modest. You do not need an attorney. Bring the lease, move-in and move-out photos, and documentation of any written requests you made.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Attorney General's office both publish tenant-rights guides. Minnesota Legal Services Coalition operates legal aid offices statewide and can assist low-income tenants. Many counties also have tenant advocacy organizations.
If a dispute involves discrimination, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights handles fair-housing complaints. If it involves a code violation, contact the local housing inspector or city code enforcement office. Minn. Stat. 504B.441 bars a landlord from evicting a tenant, increasing the tenant's obligations, or decreasing services as a penalty for the tenant's complaint of a violation. If the landlord does any of those within 90 days after the complaint is filed, the burden of proving the action was not retaliatory falls on the landlord, unless the court finds the complaint was not made in good faith. Minn. Stat. 504B.285 separately gives a tenant a retaliation defense inside an eviction action the landlord has already brought.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules vary by state and city and change, and some cities add their own ordinances. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or your state housing agency.
Related
More Minnesota Laws
- Minnesota Property Records
- Minnesota Restraining Order Laws
- Minnesota Squatters Rights Laws
- Minnesota Unclaimed Property
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a landlord have to return my deposit in Minnesota?
21 days after the tenancy ends and you return the keys. The deadline is 5 days if the building was condemned. The landlord must include an itemized written statement of any deductions.
What is the maximum security deposit in Minnesota?
There is no statutory cap. Minnesota law does not limit how much a landlord may require as a security deposit. The landlord is not required to hold it in a trust account, but must pay simple interest of 1% per year on the deposit and return that interest with it.
How much notice must a landlord give to enter in Minnesota?
At least 24 hours advance notice, and entry is limited to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Emergency entry without notice is allowed if there is an immediate threat to life or property.
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month lease in Minnesota?
At least one rental period (one month for a monthly tenancy). Either the landlord or tenant must give notice before the start of the final rental period.
Can I withhold rent for repairs in Minnesota?
Not on your own. Minnesota has no self-help repair-and-deduct law, and while a rent escrow case is pending you must keep paying rent to the landlord or as the court directs. The route is rent escrow under Minn. Stat. 504B.385, where you deposit the rent with the court administrator after a code violation notice has been issued and the repair time has expired. Only the court can order repair costs deducted from rent, under Minn. Stat. 504B.425.
Can a landlord raise rent in Minnesota?
Outside of Saint Paul there is no legal limit on rent increases in Minnesota, including in Minneapolis, which has no rent stabilization ordinance in effect. Saint Paul limits residential rent increases to 3% in a 12-month period, subject to exemptions. Statewide, a landlord must give proper notice before increasing rent on a month-to-month tenancy.
How much can a landlord charge in late fees in Minnesota?
No more than 8% of the overdue rent, and only if you and the landlord agreed in writing that a late fee may be imposed. Without that written agreement, Minn. Stat. 504B.177 does not permit a late fee at all.
Updates
Corrected the Minnesota security deposit rules (deposits earn 1% annual interest, there is no trust-account requirement, and the penalty for wrongful withholding is keyed to the deposit rather than two months of rent), replaced an inaccurate self-help repair-and-deduct description with Minnesota rent escrow and court-ordered remedies under the correct statutes, removed a Minneapolis rent stabilization ordinance that does not exist while stating Saint Paul actual 3% cap, raised the Conciliation Court limit to $20,000, added the written-agreement condition for late fees, and cited the correct retaliation statute.
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 504B: LANDLORD AND TENANT
§ 504B.178INTEREST ON SECURITY DEPOSITS; WITHHOLDING SECURITY DEPOSITS; DAMAGES; LIMIT ON WITHHOLDING LAST MONTH'S RENTIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Applicability. Any deposit of money, the function of which is to secure the performance of a residential rental agreement or any part of such an agreement, other than a deposit which is exclusively an advance payment of rent, shall be governed by the provisions of this section. Subd. 2. Interest. Any deposit of money shall not be considered received in a fiduciary capacity within the meaning of section 82.55, subdivision 26, but shall be held by the landlord for the tenant who is party to the agreement and shall bear simple noncompounded interest at the rate of one percent per annum, computed from the first day of the next month following the full payment of the deposit to the last day of the month in which the landlord, in good faith, complies with the requirements of subdivision 3 or to the date upon which judgment is entered in any civil action involving the landlord's liability for the deposit, whichever date is earlier. Any interest amount less than $1 shall be excluded from the provisions of this section. Subd. 3. Return of security deposit.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-06 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Andrew Kaeding v. Karl Auleciems, Susanne Auleciems (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2016, 886 N.W.2d 658)“…SYLLABUS I. An attempt to waive Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 (2014) by agreeing to forfeit a securit…”
- Tenisha Williams v. Halimatou Diallo (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2024)“…ng the specific reason for the withholding of the deposit.” Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 3(a). A landlord may withhold a…”
- Andrew Ellis v. Danielle Thompson, Abdul R. Johnson (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2015)“…ld still be entitled to one month’s rent and late fees. See Minn. Stat. § 504B.178,…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Cameras, Privacy, and Rights
§ 504B.211RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT TO PRIVACYIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, "landlord" has the meaning defined in section 504B.001, subdivision 7, and also includes the landlord's agent or other person acting under the landlord's direction and control. Subd. 2. Entry by landlord. Except as provided in subdivision 4, a landlord may enter the premises rented by a residential tenant only for a reasonable business purpose and after making a good faith effort to give the residential tenant reasonable notice under the circumstances of not less than 24 hours in advance of the intent to enter. A residential tenant may permit a landlord to enter the rented premises with less than 24 hours notice if desired. The notice must specify a time or anticipated window of time of entry and the landlord may only enter between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. unless the landlord and tenant agree to an earlier or later time. A residential tenant may not waive and the landlord may not require the residential tenant to waive the residential tenant's right to prior notice of entry under this section as a condition of entering into or maintaining the lease. Subd. 3. Reasonable purpose.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 7 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Dotson (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2017, 900 N.W.2d 445)“…rested him without probable cause. Because we conclude that Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 does not give a landlord or property ma…”
- State of Minnesota v. Daniel Joseph Devens (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2014, 852 N.W.2d 255)“…made a good faith effort to notify Devens of the entry. See Minn. Stat. § 504B.211, subd. 2 (2012). By contrast, Devens di…”
- Negassi H. Ghebrehiwet v. Khaled Ghneim (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2016)“…at Ghebrehiwet violated the Ghneims’ right to privacy under Minn. Stat. § 504B.211, subd. 2 (2014) and that the Ghneims we…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Minnesota Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
§ 504B.161COVENANTS OF LANDLORD OR LICENSORIn force
Subdivision 1. Requirements. (a) In every lease or license of residential premises, the landlord or licensor covenants: (1) that the premises and all common areas are fit for the use intended by the parties; (2) to keep the premises and all common areas in reasonable repair during the term of the lease or license, including services and conditions listed in section 504B.381, subdivision 1, and extermination of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests on the premises, except when the disrepair has been caused by the willful, malicious, or irresponsible conduct of the tenant or licensee or a person under the direction or control of the tenant or licensee; (3) to make the premises and all common areas reasonably energy efficient by installing weatherstripping, caulking, storm windows, and storm doors when any such measure will result in energy procurement cost savings, based on current and projected average residential energy costs in Minnesota, that will exceed the cost of implementing that measure, including interest, amortized over the ten-year period following the incurring of the cost; (4) to maintain the premises and all common areas in compliance with the applicable health and…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 12 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Stephanie Rush, (A16-0249) v. The Westwood Village Partnership, (A16-0249), and Jerry Plummer, (A16-0250) v. Riverside Apartments of St. Cloud Limited Partnership, (A16-0250). A16-249 (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2016, 887 N.W.2d 701)“…to keep the premises in reasonable repair.” Minn. Stat. § 504B.161, Subd. 1(2)(emphasis added).…”
- Wise v. Stonebridge Cmtys., LLC (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2019, 927 N.W.2d 772)“…for allegedly violating its unwaivable statutory duty under Minn. Stat § 504B.161, subd. 1(a), to repair and maintain the…”
- Ellis v. Doe (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2019, 924 N.W.2d 258)“…of breach of the statutory covenants of habitability. See Minn. Stat. § 504B.161, subds. 1, 4 (2018). The parties appe…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 504B.385RENT ESCROW ACTION TO REMEDY VIOLATIONSIn force
Subdivision 1. Escrow of rent. (a) If a violation exists in a residential building, a residential tenant may deposit the amount of rent due to the landlord with the court administrator using the procedures described in paragraphs (b) to (d). (b) For a violation as defined in section 504B.001, subdivision 14, clause (1), the residential tenant may deposit with the court administrator the rent due to the landlord along with a copy of the written notice of the code violation as provided in section 504B.185, subdivision 2. The residential tenant may not deposit the rent or file the written notice of the code violation until the time granted to make repairs has expired without satisfactory repairs being made, unless the residential tenant alleges that the time granted is excessive. (c) For a violation as defined in section 504B.001, subdivision 14, clause (2), (3), (4), or (5), the residential tenant must give written notice to the landlord specifying the violation. The notice must be delivered personally or sent to the person or place where rent is normally paid.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 8 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Cent. Hous. Assocs., LP v. Olson (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2019, 929 N.W.2d 398)“…ld conflict with the statute governing rent-escrow actions, Minn. Stat. § 504B.385 (2018). That statute provides that "Sec…”
- Ellis v. Doe (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2019, 924 N.W.2d 258)“…habitability, as required by the rent-escrow statute. See Minn. Stat. § 504B.385, subd. 1(c). The district court found t…”
- Stephanie Rush, (A16-0249) v. The Westwood Village Partnership, (A16-0249), and Jerry Plummer, (A16-0250) v. Riverside Apartments of St. Cloud Limited Partnership, (A16-0250). A16-249 (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2016, 887 N.W.2d 701)“…ion to remedy violations of the covenants of habitability. Minn. Stat. § 504B.385, subd. 1 (2014); see Minn. Stat. § 504…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 504B.425JUDGMENTIn force
(a) If the court finds that the complaint in section 504B.395 has been proved, it may, in its discretion, take any of the actions described in paragraphs (b) to (g), either alone or in combination. (b) The court may order the landlord to remedy the violation or violations found by the court to exist if the court is satisfied that corrective action will be undertaken promptly. (c) The court may order the residential tenant to remedy the violation or violations found by the court to exist and deduct the cost from the rent subject to the terms as the court determines to be just.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Cent. Hous. Assocs., LP v. Olson (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2019, 929 N.W.2d 398)“…iscretion, take" certain actions set forth in that section. Minn. Stat. § 504B.425(a). Again, complaint in this statute re…”
- Valerie Steiner v. Campbell Properties (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2024)“…l enumerated actions, including abating the tenant’s rent. Minn. Stat. § 504B.425 (2022). We review the district court’s…”
- Negassi H. Ghebrehiwet v. Khaled Ghneim (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2016)“…he amount by which the rent is to be abated. Minn. Stat. § 504B.425(a), (e) (emphasis added). The e…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 504B.395PROCEDUREIn force
Subdivision 1. Who may bring action. An action may be brought in district court by: (1) a residential tenant of a residential building in which a violation, as defined in section 504B.001, subdivision 14, is alleged to exist; (2) any housing-related neighborhood organization with the written permission of a residential tenant of a residential building in which a violation, as defined in section 504B.001, subdivision 14, clause (1) or (2), is alleged to exist; (3) a housing-related neighborhood organization that has within its geographical area an unoccupied residential building in which a violation, as defined in section 504B.001, subdivision 14, clause (1) or (2), is alleged to exist; or (4) a state, county, or local department or authority, charged with the enforcement of codes relating to health, housing, or building maintenance. Subd. 2. Venue. The venue of the action authorized by this section is the county where the residential building alleged to contain violations is located. Subd. 3. When action may be brought.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 5 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2019
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Mary Cocchiarella v. Donald Driggs (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2016, 884 N.W.2d 621)“…der to bring a tenant’s remedies action in district, court, Minn.Stat. § 504B.395, subd. 1(1). Our interpretation extends…”
- Cent. Hous. Assocs., LP v. Olson (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2019, 929 N.W.2d 398)“…early refers to the formal commencement of a lawsuit. See Minn. Stat. § 504B.395, subd. 5 (2018) ("The action must be st…”
- Negassi H. Ghebrehiwet v. Khaled Ghneim (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2016)“…nts set forth in section 504B.161, subdivision 1(1)- (2).1 Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.395, subd. 1(1), .001, subd. 14(2); see gen…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 504B.177LATE FEESIn force
(a) A landlord of a residential building may not charge a late fee if the rent is paid after the due date, unless the tenant and landlord have agreed in writing that a late fee may be imposed. The agreement must specify when the late fee will be imposed. In no case may the late fee exceed eight percent of the overdue rent payment. Any late fee charged or collected is not considered to be either interest or liquidated damages. For purposes of this paragraph, the "due date" does not include a date, earlier than the date contained in the written or oral lease by which, if the rent is paid, the tenant earns a discount. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if a federal statute, regulation, or handbook permitting late fees for a tenancy subsidized under a federal program conflicts with paragraph (a), then the landlord may publish and implement a late payment fee schedule that complies with the federal statute, regulation, or handbook. (c) A late fee charged by a landlord who has entered into a housing assistance payments contract with the federal, state, or local government must be calculated and assessed only on the portion of rent payable by the tenant.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 6 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2021
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth v. Brian Lee (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2014, 852 N.W.2d 683)“…s that landlords of residential buildings may charge under Minn. Stat. § 504B.177 (2010) is not preempted by federal…”
- Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Duluth v. Lee (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2013, 832 N.W.2d 868)“…g eight percent of appellant’s rent payment in violation of Minn.Stat. § 504B.177(a). Appellant also argues that the dist…”
- Op. Atty. Gen. 430 (Minnesota Attorney General Reports 2021)“…lculation of late fee on a partial payment is not required. Minn. Stat. § 504B.177…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 504B.285EVICTION ACTIONS; GROUNDS; RETALIATION DEFENSE; COMBINED ALLEGATIONSIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Grounds. (a) The person entitled to the premises may recover possession by eviction when: (1) any person holds over real property: (i) after a sale of the property on an execution or judgment; (ii) after the expiration of the time for redemption on foreclosure of a mortgage, or after termination of contract to convey the property; or (iii) after the expiration of the time for redemption on a real estate tax judgment sale; (2) any person holds over real property after termination of the time for which it is demised or leased to that person or to the persons under whom that person holds possession, contrary to the conditions or covenants of the lease or agreement under which that person holds, or after any rent becomes due according to the terms of such lease or agreement; or (3) any tenant at will holds over after the termination of the tenancy by notice to quit. (b) A landlord may not commence an eviction action against a tenant or authorized occupant solely on the basis that the tenant or authorized occupant has been the victim of any of the acts listed in section 504B.206, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 35 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Cent. Hous. Assocs., LP v. Olson (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2019, 929 N.W.2d 398)“…ently based on the existence of a retaliation defense under Minn. Stat. § 504B.285, subd. 2 (2018), and Minn. Stat. § 504B…”
- Rolling Meadows Cooperative, Inc. v. Macatee (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2017, 904 N.W.2d 920)“…r membership agreement, MacAtee was a holdover tenant under Minn. Stat. § 504B.285, subd. 1(a)(3) (2016). Under Minnesot…”
- Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. v. Nedashkoyskiy (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2011, 801 N.W.2d 190)“…on of the time for redemption on foreclosure of a mortgage. Minn.Stat. § 504B.285, subd. l(l)(ii) (2010). “ ‘Evict’ or ‘e…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Minnesota Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026), Minnesota Eviction Law Changes Take Effect August 1, 2026 Under HF 3809
§ 504B.185INSPECTION; NOTICEIn force
Subdivision 1. Who may request. If requested by a residential tenant, a housing-related neighborhood organization with the written permission of a residential tenant, or, if a residential building is unoccupied, by a housing-related neighborhood organization, an inspection shall be made by the local authority charged with enforcing a code claimed to be violated. Subd. 2. Notice. (a) After the local authority has inspected the residential building under subdivision 1, the inspector shall inform the landlord or the landlord's agent and the residential tenant or housing-related neighborhood organization in writing of any code violations discovered. (b) A reasonable period of time must be allowed in which to correct the violations.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
§ 504B.441RESIDENTIAL TENANT MAY NOT BE PENALIZED FOR COMPLAINTIn force
A residential tenant may not be evicted, nor may the residential tenant's obligations under a lease be increased or the services decreased, if the eviction or increase of obligations or decrease of services is intended as a penalty for the residential tenant's or housing-related neighborhood organization's complaint of a violation. The burden of proving otherwise is on the landlord if the eviction or increase of obligations or decrease of services occurs within 90 days after filing the complaint, unless the court finds that the complaint was not made in good faith. After 90 days the burden of proof is on the residential tenant.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 5 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Cent. Hous. Assocs., LP v. Olson (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2019, 929 N.W.2d 398)“…iation defense is not available under the relevant statute, Minn. Stat. § 504B.441 (2018). But we also conclude that the c…”
- TE Miller Development LLC v. Corey Devante Jones, John Doe (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2025)“…on defense, nor are we aware of such authority. See, e.g., Minn. Stat. § 504B.441 (2024) (“A residential tenant may not…”
- Arrow Southampton, LLC v. Jeremiah Akinnola (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2016)“…use the plaintiff had also alleged retaliatory action under Minn. Stat. § 504B.441, which is not predicated on a notice to…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 471: MUNICIPAL RIGHTS, POWERS, DUTIES
§ 471.9996RENT CONTROL PROHIBITEDIn force
Subdivision 1. In general. No statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town may adopt or renew by ordinance or otherwise any law to control rents on private residential property except as provided in subdivision 2. This section does not impair the right of any statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town: (1) to manage or control property in which it has a financial interest through a housing authority or similar agency; (2) to contract with a property owner; (3) to act as required or authorized by laws or regulations of the United States government or this state; or (4) to mediate between property owners and tenants for the purpose of negotiating rents. Subd. 2. Exception. Subdivision 1 does not preclude a statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town from controlling rents on private residential property to the extent that the city, county, or town has the power to adopt an ordinance, charter amendment, or law to control these rents if the ordinance, charter amendment, or law that controls rents is approved in a general election.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 491A: CONCILIATION COURT
§ 491A.01ESTABLISHMENT; POWERS; JURISDICTIONIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Establishment. The district court in each county shall establish a conciliation court division with the jurisdiction and powers set forth in this chapter. Subd. 2. Powers; issuance of process. The conciliation court has all powers, and may issue process as necessary or proper to carry out the purposes of this chapter. No writ of execution or garnishment summons may be issued out of conciliation court. Subd. 3. [Expired, 2012 c 283 s 1] Subd. 3a. Jurisdiction; general. (a) Except as provided in subdivisions 4 and 5, the conciliation court has jurisdiction to hear, conciliate, try, and determine civil claims if the amount of money or property that is the subject matter of the claim does not exceed: (1) $20,000; or (2) $4,000, if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 6 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2018
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Hanson v. Woolston (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 2005, 701 N.W.2d 257)“…claims involving consumer-credit transactions under $4,000. Minn.Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 3(a) (2004). Its territorial jur…”
- Roehrdanz v. Brill (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2004, 682 N.W.2d 626)“…ersy, may be heard in a less formal forum. See Minn.Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 1 (2002) (“The district court in…”
- Cohen v. Little Six, Inc. (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 1996, 543 N.W.2d 376)“…Minnesota small claims or conciliation court system. See Minn.Stat. §§ 491A.01-.03 (1994) (establishing conciliation c…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Minnesota Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026), Minnesota Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026), Minnesota Small Claims Court: $20,000 Limit, Fees and How to File
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This article also draws on these acts and chapters (opening at their first section): Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 504B: LANDLORD AND TENANT § 504B.0001
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
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Sources and References
- Minn. Stat. ch. 504B (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota Attorney General's Office: Renters' Rights(ag.state.mn.us).gov
- Minn. Stat. 504B.177 (Late Fees)(revisor.mn.gov)
- Minn. Stat. 504B.385 (Rent Escrow Action to Remedy Violations)(revisor.mn.gov)
- Minn. Stat. 504B.395 (Tenant Remedies Action: Procedure)(revisor.mn.gov)
- Minn. Stat. 504B.425 (Judgment: court-ordered remedies and attorney fees)(revisor.mn.gov)
- Minn. Stat. 504B.441 (Residential Tenant May Not Be Penalized for Complaint)(revisor.mn.gov)
- Minn. Stat. 491A.01 (Conciliation Court jurisdiction and dollar limits)(revisor.mn.gov)
- Minn. Stat. 471.9996 (Rent Control Prohibited; general-election exception)(revisor.mn.gov)
- City of Saint Paul: Rent Stabilization (3% in a 12-month period)(stpaul.gov)
- City of Minneapolis: Rent Stabilization (no ordinance adopted)(minneapolismn.gov)