Writ of Recovery

A writ of recovery is a court order issued after a landlord wins an eviction case in Minnesota. It authorizes the sheriff to physically remove the tenant and their belongings from the rental property.

When You Would See This

• After an eviction hearing where the court ruled in the landlord’s favor
• The writ is issued by the court and delivered to the county sheriff
• The sheriff posts a notice on the door giving the tenant a final deadline to leave (usually 24 hours)
• If the tenant does not leave, the sheriff will physically remove them

Key Facts

• A landlord cannot remove a tenant without a writ of recovery – self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Minnesota
• The writ can only be issued after a court hearing where the tenant had a chance to respond
• Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.365 , the writ is executed by the sheriff, not the landlord
• The tenant’s belongings must be handled according to Minnesota law – the landlord cannot simply throw them away
• If you receive a writ of recovery, you should contact a legal aid organization immediately

Related Terms

• Eviction – the legal process of removing a tenant (also called an “unlawful detainer” action)
• Writ of execution – a broader category of court orders that enforce judgments
• Order to vacate – a court order telling the tenant to leave by a specific date

Get Help

If you have received a writ of recovery or are facing eviction, contact:

Related Guides

• Tenant Eviction Defense in Minnesota
• Landlord Duties and Obligations in Minnesota