Know Your Rights: Tenant Rights in Minnesota

If you rent a home or apartment in Minnesota, you have legal rights. Your landlord must follow state law, and so must you. Here is what you need to know.

Your Rights

1. Your home must be safe and livable. Your landlord must keep the rental in reasonable repair and fit for living. This includes working heat, plumbing, electricity, and no serious health hazards like mold or pests. This is called the “covenant of habitability” under Minn. Stat. § 504B.161 .

2. Your security deposit must be returned within 21 days. After you move out, your landlord has 21 days to return your deposit or send you a written list of deductions with the remaining balance. If they miss this deadline, you may be owed the full deposit back. See Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 .

3. Your landlord cannot lock you out. It is a crime in Minnesota for a landlord to change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings to force you out. Only a court can order an eviction.

4. Your landlord cannot punish you for using your rights. If you report code violations, request repairs, or file a complaint, your landlord cannot retaliate by raising your rent, cutting services, or trying to evict you. See Minn. Stat. § 504B.285 .

5. You must get proper notice before eviction. Your landlord cannot just tell you to leave. They must follow the legal eviction process through the courts, which includes written notice and a hearing.

6. You can file a rent escrow action. If your landlord will not make repairs, you can deposit your rent with the court and ask a judge to order repairs under Minn. Stat. § 504B.385 .

7. Your landlord must give you notice before entering. Minnesota law requires reasonable notice before a landlord enters your unit, except in emergencies.

What to Do

• Put everything in writing. Send repair requests by email or certified mail so you have a record.
• Take photos and keep records. Document any problems with your rental, including dates and details.
• Do not stop paying rent on your own. If your landlord will not make repairs, use the rent escrow process instead. Withholding rent without a court order can lead to eviction.
• Call HOME Line for free advice. HOME Line is a statewide tenant hotline that helps all Minnesota renters, regardless of income: 612-728-5767.
• Report code violations. Contact your city’s housing inspection department (call 311 in Minneapolis) to request a free inspection.

Important Deadlines

Deadline	What It Means
21 days	Landlord must return your security deposit (or itemized deductions) after you move out
14 days	Reasonable time to give your landlord to fix non-emergency problems after written notice
Immediately	For emergencies (no heat in winter, gas leaks), call 911 and contact the court

Get Help

For more detail: See our full guides on these topics:

Tenant Rights for Rental Problems in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to tenant rights when a rental property has serious problems, including repair obligations, rent escrow, and remedies under Minnesota law.

Tenant Eviction Defense in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to defending against eviction in Minnesota. Learn your rights, the court process, and how to fight back if your landlord tries to remove you.

Getting Your Security Deposit Back in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to Minnesota security deposit law, including your landlord's obligations, deadlines, and how to take action if your deposit is not returned.

Landlord Duties and Obligations in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to what landlords must do under Minnesota law. Know your rights as a tenant and what your landlord owes you.