Habitability

Ellis v. Doe

Held that a tenant does not need to follow rent-escrow procedures under Minn. Stat. 504B.385 before asserting a common-law habitability defense in an eviction action.

Fritz v. Warthen

Held that statutory covenants of habitability under Minn. Stat. 504.18 are mutually dependent with the tenant's covenant to pay rent, creating the 'Fritz defense' to eviction for nonpayment.

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.