What are tenant rights in Minnesota?

Minnesota tenant rights are governed by Minn. Stat. Chapter 504B.

1. Security Deposit — No statutory cap. Under § 504B.178, landlord must return within 21 days of move-out (or 5 days if condemnation) with interest (currently 1% per year) and itemized statement. Bad-faith retention exposes landlord to punitive damages up to $500.

2. Covenants of Habitability — § 504B.161 imposes statutory covenants that the premises will be fit for use, kept in reasonable repair, maintained in compliance with health and safety laws, and energy-efficient. These covenants cannot be waived.

3. Tenant Remedies (Rent Escrow) — § 504B.385 allows tenants to deposit rent with the court and seek repair orders, rent abatement, or lease termination. § 504B.395 allows emergency tenant remedies action.

4. Notice for Entry — § 504B.211 requires reasonable notice (judicially interpreted as 24 hours typically) for non-emergency entry.

5. Eviction Notice — § 504B.321 (as amended 2024) requires a 14-day pre-eviction notice for nonpayment of rent (previously no notice required) before filing eviction.

6. Termination of Month-to-Month — § 504B.135 requires the longer of 3 months or one full rental period for periodic tenancies.

7. Rent Control — § 471.9996 generally prohibits rent control without voter approval; Minneapolis and St. Paul passed rent stabilization measures in 2021.

8. Discrimination — Minnesota Human Rights Act (§ 363A.09) prohibits discrimination on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance (Section 8 protected), disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and familial status.

9. Retaliation — § 504B.285 prohibits retaliatory eviction and creates a presumption if landlord acts within 90 days of tenant complaint or organizing.

10. Lockouts — § 504B.225 prohibits self-help; treble damages.

This is legal information, not legal advice.