Tenant Rights and Responsibilities in Minnesota

As a tenant in Minnesota, you have several important rights, including: the right to a habitable living space, protection against illegal discrimination, privacy rights (landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering), the right to request repairs, protection against retaliation, and the right to proper notice before eviction proceedings. Minnesota law also allows tenants to withhold rent or use 'repair and deduct' remedies in certain circumstances when landlords fail to make necessary repairs.

Minnesota law does not set a specific limit on security deposit amounts. However, landlords typically charge the equivalent of one or two months' rent. The landlord must return your security deposit within 21 days after you move out and terminate your tenancy or within five days after you provide a forwarding address, whichever is later. They must also provide a written statement of the reason for any amount withheld.

In Minnesota, landlords must make a good faith effort to give 'reasonable notice' before entering a tenant's unit. While the law doesn't specify an exact timeframe, 24 hours is generally considered reasonable notice. Landlords can only enter for legitimate reasons such as making repairs, showing the unit to prospective tenants, or inspections. In emergencies, landlords may enter without notice.

If you have a lease, your landlord cannot raise the rent until the lease term ends, unless the lease specifically allows for rent increases. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least one rental period's notice (typically 30 days) before implementing a rent increase. Some cities in Minnesota, like Minneapolis and St. Paul, have rent control ordinances that may further restrict rent increases.

For fixed-term leases, termination typically occurs at the end of the lease period. For month-to-month tenancies, either party must provide written notice at least one full rental period (typically 30 days) before the intended termination date. If a tenant breaks a lease early, they may be liable for rent until the unit is re-rented or until the lease ends, though landlords have a duty to mitigate damages by attempting to find a new tenant.

First, submit a written repair request to your landlord and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to make repairs within a reasonable time, you have several options: 1) File a complaint with local housing inspectors, 2) Sue in conciliation court, 3) Use the 'rent escrow' process by placing your rent with the court until repairs are made, or 4) In some cases, make the repair yourself and deduct the cost from your rent. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office provides detailed guidance on these remedies.

No. Minnesota's Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, public assistance status, familial status, or sexual orientation. Additionally, federal fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. If you believe you've experienced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

The Cold Weather Rule protects tenants from having their heat shut off during cold months (October 15 to April 15) if they cannot pay their utility bills. To qualify for protection, you must contact your utility company to set up and maintain a payment plan. This rule applies to utilities regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Note that this rule doesn't prevent eviction for non-payment of rent, only utility disconnection.

Yes, but you must follow specific legal procedures. Minnesota law allows tenants to use the 'rent escrow' process when landlords fail to make necessary repairs. This involves depositing your rent with the court rather than paying the landlord directly. Before using this remedy, you must give your landlord written notice of the needed repairs and a reasonable time to fix them. You should also consider consulting with a tenant advocacy organization or attorney before withholding rent.