What Changed for Minnesota Landlords in 2026
Minnesota has one of the more active state legislatures when it comes to landlord-tenant law, and 2026 brought several updates that independent rental owners need to know about. This guide covers the key provisions affecting security deposits, notice requirements, habitability standards, and the state's evolving approach to eviction — with practical guidance on what each change means for a solo landlord managing 1–10 units.
Note: This article reflects publicly available information about Minnesota landlord-tenant law as of April 2026. Laws change. Always consult a licensed Minnesota attorney or the Minnesota Attorney General's office for advice specific to your situation.
Security Deposits
Minnesota does not cap the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit — there is no statutory limit tied to monthly rent. However, the rules around returning deposits are strict and the penalties for non-compliance are significant.
Under Minnesota Statutes § 504B.178, landlords must return the security deposit (or a written itemized statement of deductions) within 21 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant has vacated. The clock starts when the tenant returns the keys and provides a forwarding address.
If you fail to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 days, the tenant can sue for the full deposit amount plus a penalty of up to twice the deposit in damages, plus attorney's fees. This is one of the most litigated areas of Minnesota landlord-tenant law.
Allowable deductions from a security deposit include unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and costs to restore the unit to its condition at move-in. Normal wear and tear — faded paint, minor carpet wear, small nail holes — is not deductible.
Notice Requirements
The notice period required to terminate a tenancy in Minnesota depends on the type of tenancy:
- Month-to-month tenancy: Either party must give at least one full rental period's notice (typically 30 days) before termination. If rent is due on the 1st, notice given on March 15 terminates the tenancy on April 30 — not March 31.
- Fixed-term lease: The lease ends on the date specified. No notice is required unless the lease requires it. If neither party acts, the tenancy typically converts to month-to-month.
- Non-payment of rent: A landlord must provide written notice and an opportunity to pay before filing for eviction. Minnesota requires a 14-day notice to pay or quit for non-payment of rent.
- Material lease violation: For violations other than non-payment, landlords must provide written notice describing the violation and a reasonable time to cure before filing for eviction.
Habitability Standards
Minnesota law requires landlords to maintain rental units in compliance with applicable housing codes and to keep the property in a condition fit for human habitation. This is known as the implied warranty of habitability.
Specifically, landlords must maintain:
- Adequate heat (at least 68°F from October 1 through April 30 under Minneapolis city ordinance; state law requires heat sufficient for health)
- Running hot and cold water
- Working plumbing, electrical, and heating systems
- Structural integrity (roof, walls, floors, windows, doors)
- Freedom from pest infestations
- Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
If a landlord fails to maintain habitability, tenants have several remedies under Minnesota law, including rent escrow (depositing rent with the court), rent withholding, and repair-and-deduct (in limited circumstances).
Just-Cause Eviction Provisions
Minnesota passed legislation in 2023 that introduced just-cause eviction requirements for certain lease non-renewals, and the implementation of these rules has continued to evolve through 2026. Under the current framework, landlords in many Minnesota cities cannot refuse to renew a lease without a qualifying reason ("just cause").
Qualifying reasons for non-renewal under Minnesota's just-cause framework include:
- Non-payment of rent
- Material violation of the lease
- The landlord intends to occupy the unit personally or have an immediate family member occupy it
- The landlord intends to substantially rehabilitate the unit (with proper notice and relocation assistance)
- The landlord intends to remove the unit from the rental market
Simply wanting a different tenant, wanting to raise rent above what the current tenant will pay, or wanting to sell the property are generally not qualifying just-cause reasons for non-renewal in jurisdictions where the law applies.
The applicability of just-cause provisions varies by city and property type. Minneapolis and St. Paul have their own ordinances that may be more restrictive than state law. Solo landlords with properties in these cities should review the specific city ordinances or consult an attorney.
Practical Steps for Solo Landlords
- Document everything at move-in and move-out: A detailed move-in checklist with photos is your best protection against security deposit disputes. The RentReady Tracker provides a 25-point checklist designed for this purpose.
- Use a written lease: Even for month-to-month tenancies, a written lease that clearly states the rent amount, due date, late fees, and tenant responsibilities protects both parties.
- Know your notice deadlines: Missing a notice deadline — especially the 21-day security deposit return window — is expensive. Set a calendar reminder the day a tenant gives notice.
- Stay current on local ordinances: Minneapolis and St. Paul have rental licensing requirements, inspection programs, and tenant protections that go beyond state law. Check your city's website annually.
Use the RentReady Tracker to document your move-out inspection, estimate turnover costs, and generate a checklist you can share with your tenant at move-out.