Minnesota Rental Laws

Minnesota Rental Laws

Your Minnesota Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.

Official Website of the State of Minnesota

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Minnesota was 5,379,139 on July 1, 2012, a 1.4 percent increase since the 2010 United States Census

The State of Minnesota has 87 counties.

State Rules and Regulations

Important Lease Terms

Security Deposits

  • Amount: No Restrictions
  • Return Deadline:  21 Days after tenant leaves, and landlord receives mailing address; 5 days if tenant must leave due to building condemnation

Fees and Notice

  • Applications Fees: Limited to paid amount of tenant screening
  • Termination Notice:  Can File Immediately
  • Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Yes but must be placed in an escrow account

Landlord Disclosures

Real Estate Links

Federal Government

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act:  Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
  • Fair Housing Act:  The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children

Credit Reports

Tenant Screening

  • Counties covered:  Aitkin,   Anoka,   Becker,   Beltrami,   Benton,   Big Stone,   Blue Earth,   Brown,   Carlton,   Carver,   Cass,   Chippewa,   Chisago,   Clay,   Clearwater,   Cook,   Cottonwood,   Crow Wing,   Dakota,   Dodge,   Douglas,   Faribault,   Fillmore,   Freeborn,   Goodhue,   Grant,   Hennepin,   Houston,   Hubbard,   Isanti,   Itasca,   Jackson,   Kanabec,   Kandiyohi,   Kittson,   Koochiching,   Lac Qui Parle,   Lake,   Lake Of The Wood,   Le Sueur,   Lincoln,   Lyon,   Mahnomen,   Marshall,   Martin,   McLeod,   Meeker,   Mille Lacs,   Morrison,   Mower,   Murray,   Nicollet,   Nobles,   Norman,   Olmsted,   Otter Tail,   Pennington,   Pine,   Pipestone,   Polk,   Pope,   Ramsey,   Red Lake,   Redwood,   Renville,   Rice,   Rock,   Roseau,   St. Louis,   Scott,   Sherburne,   Sibley,   Stearns,   Steele,   Stevens,   Swift,   Todd,   Traverse,   Wabasha,   Wadena,   Waseca,   Washington,   Watonwan,   Wilkin,   Winona,   Wright,   Yellow Medicine
  • Options for Tenant Screening Packages and Prices
  • Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Last Updated: April 14, 2020