Lease
A contract between a landlord and tenant that grants the tenant the right to use a property for a set period in exchange for rent.
A lease is a legal agreement between a property owner (landlord) and a renter (tenant) that gives the tenant the right to occupy and use the property for a specific period in exchange for paying rent. Leases spell out the terms of the rental, including the monthly rent, the length of the lease, security deposit requirements, and the rules both parties must follow.
In Minnesota, landlords have specific legal obligations regardless of what the lease says, including maintaining the property in habitable condition, making necessary repairs, and following proper procedures for eviction. Tenants have obligations too, including paying rent on time, not damaging the property, and following the terms of the lease. Minnesota law also regulates security deposits, late fees, and the eviction process.
Why it matters: A lease protects both the landlord and the tenant by putting the terms of the rental in writing. If either side breaks the agreement, the other can take legal action. Knowing your rights and obligations under the lease and under Minnesota law is essential for both landlords and tenants.
Example: A tenant signs a one-year lease for an apartment at $1,200 per month. The lease requires a $1,200 security deposit and prohibits pets. The tenant is protected by the lease from rent increases during the one-year term, and the landlord is protected by the tenant’s agreement to pay rent and follow the rules.
Renting an apartment or house, commercial property rentals, disputes with landlords