Eviction
The legal process a landlord uses to remove a tenant from a rental property through court action.
An eviction is the legal process a landlord must follow to require a tenant to leave a rental property. In Minnesota, a landlord cannot simply change the locks or remove a tenant’s belongings. The landlord must go to court and get a judge’s order. This court process is sometimes called an “unlawful detainer” action.
Before filing in court, the landlord usually must give the tenant written notice. The amount of notice depends on the reason for the eviction – for example, nonpayment of rent requires a 14-day notice in most cases. The tenant then has a chance to appear in court and tell their side.
Why it matters: An eviction on your record can make it very hard to rent a new home. If you receive an eviction notice, you have legal rights – including the right to appear in court, raise defenses, and in some cases cure the problem before the court date. Minnesota law also allows tenants to ask for expungement (sealing) of eviction records in certain situations.
Example: Your landlord files an eviction case because rent is two months overdue. You receive a court summons and appear at the hearing. The judge gives you a chance to explain your situation and may allow extra time to pay or move out.
Landlord-tenant disputes, nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and housing court