LANDLORDS AND TENANTS Rights and Responsibilities From the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General helping people afford their lives and live with dignity and respect www.ag.state.mn.us The rights and duties of landlords and tenants in Minnesota are spelled out in federal law, state statutes, local ordinances, safety and housing codes, common law, contract law, and a number of court decisions. These responsibilities can vary from place to place around the state. Certain rights and duties apply to landlords and tenants everywhere in Minnesota. This handbook attempts to explain those rights. It should not be considered legal advice to use in resolving specific landlord-tenant problems or questions. It is a summary of the laws that govern the landlord-tenant relationship. References to statutes and case law examples appear at the back of the handbook. When references are provided, they are signaled or noted by a number at the end of the sentence. If a cite does not appear, the information is likely derived from common law or case law. Tenants in federal housing and other forms of subsidized housing have additional rights under federal law not covered in this handbook. Those tenants should check their leases for information. Minnesota Statutes § 504B.181, subd. 2(b) requires landlords to notify residential tenants that this handbook is available to them. This brochure is intended to be used as a source for general information and is not provided as legal advice. Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities is written and published by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office as required by Minnesota Statutes § 504B.275 (2017). This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area), (800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities), or through the Minnesota Relay Service at (800) 627-3529. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400, St. Paul, MN 55101 (651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area) (800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities) (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay) www.ag.state.mn.us OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL Table of Contents Entering into the Agreement ................................................................... 3 Inspecting the Unit Before Signing a Lease.............................................................................................................. 3 Required Management Background Check .............................................................................................................. 3 Screening Fees and Pre-Lease Fees ......................................................................................................................... 4 Security Deposits ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Residential Tenant Reports ....................................................................................................................................... 5 The Lease ................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Disclosure to the Tenant ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Utilities ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 Unlawful Destruction of Property ............................................................................................................................ 10 Alterations ................................................................................................................................................................ 11 During the Tenancy .................................................................................. 11 The Rent .................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Tenant’s Right to Privacy ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Tenants May Seek Police and Emergency Assistance .......................................................................................... 13 Repair Problems ....................................................................................................................................................... 13 Neighborhood Organizations .................................................................................................................................. 17 Uninhabitable or Condemned Buildings ................................................................................................................. 17 Ending the Tenancy .................................................................................18 Proper Notice ........................................................................................................................................................... 18 Right of Victims of Violence to Terminate Lease ................................................................................................... 19 Three-Day Notice During Winter .............................................................................................................................. 20 Refund of the Security Deposit ................................................................................................................................ 20 Other Important Laws ..............................................................................21 Housing Courts ........................................................................................................................................................ 21 Eviction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 22 Retaliation ................................................................................................................................................................. 25 Unlawful Exclusions and Property Confiscation .................................................................................................... 26 Utility Shut-offs ......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Cold Weather Rule .................................................................................................................................................... 27 Tenant’s Right to a Tax Credit (CRP) ....................................................................................................................... 29 Discrimination .......................................................................................................................................................... 29 Accessible Units ....................................................................................................................................................... 30 LANDLORDS AND TENANTS: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1 Landlord Disclosure ................................................................................................................................................. 30 Subleasing ................................................................................................................................................................ 31 Abandoned Property ................................................................................................................................................ 31 Expanded Definition of Tenant ................................................................................................................................ 32 Smoking in Common Areas ..................................................................................................................................... 32 Manufactured Home Park Residents ...................................................................................................................... 32 Resources .................................................................................................. 33 References ................................................................................................................................................................ 33 Resource Directory ................................................................................................................................................... 36 Legal Aid Services .................................................................................................................................................... 37 Minnesota Association of Community Mediation Programs ................................................................................ 40 2 OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL Entering into the Agreement According to Minnesota law, when the owner of