Minnesota Eviction Notice Requirements
Minnesota Statutes § 504B.321 requires a landlord to give a written 14-day notice before filing an eviction for unpaid rent or other unpaid financial obligations under the lease. State law doesn't set a general notice period for lease violations; the lease controls. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes written notice at least as long as the interval between rent due dates or three months, whichever is less, under § 504B.135, which is one month for monthly rent.
The 14-day notice must state the total amount due with an itemized accounting, the name and address of the person authorized to receive rent, and statutory statements about legal help, financial help and the 14-day deadline. It must be delivered personally or by first-class mail to the rental address. If a local government requires a longer notice, the longer period applies. The landlord's complaint must include a copy, and a case filed without the notice will be dismissed and the court file expunged.
If the tenant doesn't pay or move out, the landlord files an eviction action in district court, and the first appearance is set 7 to 14 days after the summons is issued. A tenant can stop a nonpayment eviction by paying the rent owed plus interest, costs and fees. Minnesota makes it a misdemeanor to lock out a tenant or cut off electric, heat, gas or water service to force a move, and a tenant removed in bad faith can recover treble damages or $500, whichever is greater. Only a sheriff or other authorized officer can enforce a writ of recovery.
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Minnesota: common questions
Does Minnesota require notice before filing for unpaid rent?
Yes. Landlords must give a written notice and wait 14 days before filing an eviction for nonpayment. The notice must list the total amount due, an itemized accounting and the required statements. If the tenant pays the total amount due within the 14 days, the landlord may not file on that basis.
How much notice ends a Minnesota month-to-month tenancy?
Written notice at least as long as the time between rent due dates, or three months if that is shorter, under § 504B.135. For monthly rent, that is one month. Local governments can add their own rules, and the statute recognizes longer local notice periods, so check local requirements before serving notice.
What notice is needed for a lease violation in Minnesota?
State law doesn't set a general cure period for lease violations. If the lease allows eviction for the breach, the landlord may file a case based on it, and the complaint must identify the lease clause, the conduct, the dates and the clause granting the right to evict. Many leases require written notice first, so the lease terms matter.
Can a Minnesota landlord change the locks on a tenant?
No. Minnesota law makes it a misdemeanor for a landlord to remove or exclude a tenant, or interrupt electric, heat, gas or water service to force a move, without a court order. A tenant who is unlawfully excluded can petition the court to be restored to the unit and can recover treble damages or $500. Only an officer acting on a court writ can remove a tenant.
Compare nearby states
| State | Unpaid rent | Lease violation | Month-to-month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 14 days | See statute | See statute |
| Iowa | 3 days | 7 days | 30 days |
| North Dakota | 3 days | 3 days | See statute |
| South Dakota | See statute | See statute | See statute |
| Wisconsin | See statute | See statute | 28 days |
| Alabama | See statute | See statute | 30 days |
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