House File No. 997 is a legislative proposal requiring landlords in Minnesota to provide a justified reason ("just cause") for terminating a tenancy or declining to renew a lease. This bill aims to be included as a new law under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 504B.

Key Provisions of the Bill: 1. Just Cause Requirement: Landlords cannot terminate a tenancy or refuse a lease renewal without establishing specific grounds for termination detailed in the legislation. 2. Grounds for Termination: - Nonpayment of Rent: Tenancy can be ended if the tenant fails to pay rent and does not rectify this after a notice. - Repeated Late Payment of Rent: If rent is paid late five times within a 12-month period. - Material Breach: If the tenant breaches the lease terms and fails to correct the action after receiving a notice. - Refusal to Renew Lease: If the tenant refuses to renew the lease as requested by the landlord. - Landlord or Family Occupancy: The landlord or a family member needs to occupy the unit. - Property Withdrawal: Includes reasons like demolishing the building, converting it for other uses, or selling units following specific regulations. - Rehabilitation and Renovation: When significant works are required that make the unit uninhabitable. - Compliance with Government Orders: When a dwelling unit must be vacated to comply with government directives. - Employment Conditioned Tenancy: If the tenancy is dependent on employment at the property, which is then terminated.

1. Additional Requirements:

   • Landlords looking to withdraw a rental property must notify the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, provide tenants with a 180-day notice, and pay a relocation fee.

2. Tenant Relocation: If a withdrawn rental property is offered for rent within five years, affected tenants, the attorney general, or the commissioner may pursue damages and attorney fees.

3. Lease Amendments: This clause states nothing in the law restricts landlords and tenants from amending lease terms as legally allowed elsewhere.

Overall, the proposed legislation aims to protect tenants from arbitrary eviction and ensures tenure stability provided specific criteria are met, enhancing renter security.