Being a landlord in Minnesota comes with its own set of responsibilities and legal considerations. Understanding the types of legal issues you might face can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you’re managing your property properly.
Tenant rights and eviction laws
As a landlord, you must understand tenant rights under Minnesota law. Tenants have the right to a safe and habitable living environment, and you must meet those requirements. If you need to evict a tenant, you must follow the procedures outlined in the law. Evictions cannot happen without a court order, and tenants have the right to contest an eviction in court.
Lease agreements and disputes
A clear and well-written lease agreement is essential for preventing misunderstandings with tenants. Disputes over lease terms, such as rent payment dates, maintenance responsibilities, or damage to the property, can arise if the lease is vague or poorly structured.
Fair housing and discrimination
Minnesota landlords must comply with fair housing laws, both federal and state, that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, family status, disability, or nationality. Discriminating against a potential tenant or existing tenant can result in legal action.
Security deposits and refunds
Minnesota law regulates how much you can charge for a security deposit and how you must handle it when tenants move out. If a tenant leaves and requests their deposit back, you have a specific time frame to return it. You can only keep the deposit for damages beyond normal wear and tear, and any claims to withhold the deposit must be itemized in writing.
Rent control and rent increases
Minnesota law does not impose statewide rent control, but some cities may have rent control ordinances. As a landlord, you need to be aware of local laws that may govern rent increases or impose limits on how much you can raise the rent.
When you understand these common legal challenges, you can protect yourself and your investment as a landlord. Addressing issues proactively will help keep your rental property running smoothly.