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HF1648 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Written lease requirements modified, disclosure of additional landlord contact information required, landlords prohibited from listing the name of a minor child of a tenant in a lease or eviction complaint, right to view rental unit established, and penalties against landlords established.

Related bill: SF1685

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to amend existing landlord and tenant laws in Minnesota to enhance tenant rights and protections. It focuses on areas such as lease agreements, landlord information disclosure, tenant privacy, and remedies for tenants.

Main Provisions

  • Written Lease Requirements: The bill mandates that landlords provide a written lease for every residential unit they rent. This lease must identify the specific unit before it is signed. This is required for residential buildings with 12 or more units, enhancing current requirements for ensuring clarity and mutual understanding between tenants and landlords.

  • Prohibition on Listing Minor Children: It forbids landlords from including the name of a tenant's minor child in leases or eviction complaints, protecting minors’ privacy.

  • Landlord Information Disclosure: Landlords must disclose additional contact information beyond what is currently required, likely to ensure tenants can easily reach the landlord for any issues or disputes.

  • Prospective Tenant Rights: A prospective tenant must be given the right to view a rental unit before renting, which ensures transparency and helps tenants make informed decisions.

  • Tenant Remedies and Penalties Against Landlords: Tenants are empowered to seek remedies against landlords who violate lease requirements. This includes provision for tenants to recover triple the actual damages or $500, whichever is greater, along with reasonable attorney fees if a violation occurs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends Minnesota Statutes, specifically section 504B.111, by specifying the necessity for written leases and the penalties for failing to provide them. It also introduces the right of prospective tenants to view the property and establishes additional tenant remedies and penalties for landlords who do not comply with the amended statute.

Relevant Terms

  • Written lease
  • Tenant privacy
  • Landlord contact information
  • Rental unit viewing rights
  • Minor child privacy
  • Lease violation penalties

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHousing Finance and Policy
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Prohibits listing the name of a minor child in a lease or eviction complaint."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminated the sole penalty of a petty misdemeanor for not providing a lease."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements for written leases, adding penalties for landlords who fail to provide such leases.",
      "modified": [
        "Treble damages or $500 minimum, and reasonable attorney fees, can now be recovered by tenants."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "504B.111"
  }
]

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