Eviction in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Minnesota requires landlords to provide written notice and file in court; tenants have strong defenses including habitability claims.
How Minnesota treats Eviction
Minnesota law requires landlords to give written notice (typically 3 days for nonpayment, 14 days for other violations) before filing an eviction action in district court. Tenants can raise habitability defenses—such as lack of heat, water, or essential services—which may bar eviction or reduce rent owed. The court must find that the landlord proved the grounds for eviction by clear and convincing evidence. Minnesota also protects tenants from retaliatory evictions within six months of asserting a legal right.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.