Minneapolis, Minnesota · City renter rules · Updated Oct 2026

Minneapolis Tenant Rights: Deposits, Evictions (2026)

What is different for renters in Minneapolis compared with Minnesota state law: relocation payments, deposits, eviction protections and repairs. In plain English from official city sources.

Short answer

Minneapolis has no rent control, but city rules go beyond Minnesota law. Deposits are capped, tenant screening is limited, your landlord must give 30 days' written notice before filing an eviction for unpaid rent, and low-income renters have a right to a free lawyer in eviction cases. Some renters forced to move get relocation help equal to three months' rent.

Rent control
No city rent cap
Just cause for eviction
No city rule
Relocation payments
In some cases
Free lawyer in eviction cases
Yes, for eligible tenants

Rent control in Minneapolis

Minneapolis has no rent control of its own. Minnesota law: No statewide rent control. Cities may adopt rent control only by voter approval; St. Paul has a voter-approved rent stabilization ordinance.

Just cause for eviction in Minneapolis

Minneapolis has no just-cause eviction rule of its own; Minnesota law decides when a landlord can end a tenancy. Eviction rules in Minnesota

Relocation payments in Minneapolis

The rule
Relocation help equals three months' rent. You may qualify if you must move because of a code violation by the owner, the city revokes, cancels or denies the building's rental license, or you live in Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) and after a sale your lease ends without cause, you must move because of a rent increase, or you lose your housing after the new owner re-screens you. Call 311 to reach a rental housing liaison.
Law
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances (Housing Maintenance Code, Title 12, and NOAH tenant protection provisions); exact sections not confirmed

Security deposits in Minneapolis

Your security deposit cannot be more than one month's rent. If the landlord also asks for more than one month's rent up front (for example first and last month), the deposit cannot be more than 50% of one month's rent and you may choose to pay it over three months. After you move out and give a forwarding address, the landlord has 21 days to return the deposit with interest or send a written explanation of what was kept.

Repairs and complaints in Minneapolis

Contact your landlord first. If they do not respond, call 311 (612-673-3000) to report the problem; the city inspects rentals under its housing maintenance code and Housing Liaisons can help resolve issues. Retaliation for reporting is illegal.

Eviction protections in Minneapolis

Before filing an eviction for unpaid rent, your landlord must give you a written notice at least 30 days ahead (state law is 14 days) listing what is due, the deadline and who to pay. The 30 days start the day the notice is mailed or hand delivered. This city rule (Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2060) took effect March 1, 2025. Low-income renters have a right to a lawyer in eviction cases through Hennepin County Adult Representation Services or Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.

Other Minneapolis rules

  • Screening: landlords must either follow the city's inclusive screening criteria (for example, no minimum credit score and no denial for a misdemeanor older than three years) or do an individual assessment, accept extra information, and give a specific reason for any denial.
  • Landlords cannot ask about or require proof of your immigration or citizenship status, except where law or financial verification requires it, and cannot deny you for using an ITIN.
  • Landlords cannot refuse you or set different terms because you use a Section 8 voucher or other public assistance; 'No Section 8' ads are illegal.
  • Landlords cannot use algorithmic rent-setting software to set rents or keep units vacant; you can sue in civil court.

Minnesota law that also applies

City rules add to state law. Where they differ, the stronger protection usually applies; if you are unsure, ask the city agency below.

Deposit limit
No statewide limit
Deposit back within
21 days
Notice for unpaid rent
14 days
Notice before entry
24 hours
Rent increase notice
No statute setting a rent-increase notice; for month-to-month, the landlord must give notice at least one rental period ahead to change terms, and during a lease only as the lease allows.

Where to get help in Minneapolis

Free tools

These tools use Minnesota state law. Minneapolis's rules above may give you more time or more money.

Deposit calculator

Check Minnesota's deadline to return your deposit.

Eviction notice timeline

See the dates under Minnesota law.

Repair request letter for Minnesota

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Minnesota's rule on asking for repairs:Give written notice describing the problem, delivered personally or to where you pay rent. The landlord has 14 days before you can file rent escrow (or the inspector's deadline for code violations).

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Questions about renting in Minneapolis

Is there rent control in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has no rent control of its own. Minnesota law: No statewide rent control. Cities may adopt rent control only by voter approval; St. Paul has a voter-approved rent stabilization ordinance.

What eviction protections does Minneapolis have?

Before filing an eviction for unpaid rent, your landlord must give you a written notice at least 30 days ahead (state law is 14 days) listing what is due, the deadline and who to pay. The 30 days start the day the notice is mailed or hand delivered. This city rule (Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2060) took effect March 1, 2025. Low-income renters have a right to a lawyer in eviction cases through Hennepin County Adult Representation Services or Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.

Do I get relocation money if I have to move out in Minneapolis?

Relocation help equals three months' rent. You may qualify if you must move because of a code violation by the owner, the city revokes, cancels or denies the building's rental license, or you live in Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) and after a sale your lease ends without cause, you must move because of a rent increase, or you lose your housing after the new owner re-screens you. Call 311 to reach a rental housing liaison.

Are there city rules on security deposits in Minneapolis?

Your security deposit cannot be more than one month's rent. If the landlord also asks for more than one month's rent up front (for example first and last month), the deposit cannot be more than 50% of one month's rent and you may choose to pay it over three months. After you move out and give a forwarding address, the landlord has 21 days to return the deposit with interest or send a written explanation of what was kept.

How do I report repair problems in Minneapolis?

Contact your landlord first. If they do not respond, call 311 (612-673-3000) to report the problem; the city inspects rentals under its housing maintenance code and Housing Liaisons can help resolve issues. Retaliation for reporting is illegal.

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.

Other cities with their own rules