SF1565 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Landlord covenants modification and effective date clarifications
Related bill: HF2261
AI Generated Summary
The bill S.F. No. 1565 is designed to enhance the laws related to landlords and tenants in Minnesota. Here are the key changes it proposes:
Stronger Enforcement by the Attorney General: This amendment empowers the Minnesota Attorney General to investigate and help enforce violations related to unfair practices in business, commerce, or trade, focusing specifically on areas like advertising, consumer fraud, and discrimination.
Mandatory Landlord Responsibilities: Amendments to residential leases clarify that landlords must ensure their properties are habitable, well-maintained, energy-efficient, and comply with health and safety laws throughout the lease term. This includes obligations to manage pests, maintain a minimum temperature during colder months, and make energy-saving improvements if they are cost-effective over a ten-year period.
Non-Waivable Tenant Rights: The changes underline that the rights and covenants set in the lease agreement, such as the landlord's duties to maintain the property, cannot be waived or altered by either the landlord or the tenant.
Rent Escrow for Code Violations: If there are violations in a residential building, tenants can deposit their rent with the court instead of paying the landlord directly until the repairs are done. This process requires specific notifications and compliance periods to encourage timely resolution of issues.
Landlord Notification Requirements: Before a tenant or a tenant organization can proceed with action against a landlord for violations, the landlord must be notified in writing at least 14 days prior to any legal action. This period allows the landlord a chance to address and correct the noted violations before further proceedings.
Overall, these changes aim to strengthen tenant protections, improve property conditions, and ensure that enforcement mechanisms are robust and proactive in addressing landlord and tenant issues in Minnesota.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| February 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Enhanced roles in investigating business crimes."
],
"removed": [
"No changes to remove existing provisions were specified."
],
"summary": "This bill updates the attorney general's enforcement duties under section 8.31.",
"modified": [
"Clarified procedural aspects of investigation."
]
},
"citation": "8.31"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"No new sections are added."
],
"removed": [
"No sections are removed."
],
"summary": "The bill references the Nonprofit Corporation Act from sections 317A.001 to 317A.909 for the purpose of clarifying enforcement duties.",
"modified": [
"Lists as areas of potential enforcement."
]
},
"citation": "317A.001 to 317A.909"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Listed among the sections for enforceable offenses."
],
"removed": [
"No sections are removed."
],
"summary": "This bill highlights sections 325D.01 to 325D.07 related to the Act Against Unfair Discrimination and Competition.",
"modified": [
"No existing sections are modified."
]
},
"citation": "325D.01 to 325D.07"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Highlighted for enforcement purposes."
],
"removed": [
"No sections were removed."
],
"summary": "The Unlawful Trade Practices Act sections 325D.09 to 325D.16 are referenced for enforcing violations.",
"modified": [
"Clarified in the context of enforcement scope."
]
},
"citation": "325D.09 to 325D.16"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Emphasized enforcement potential."
],
"removed": [
"No changes to existing provisions."
],
"summary": "Sections 325D.49 to 325D.66 of the Antitrust Act are referenced concerning enforcement against monopolistic trade practices.",
"modified": [
"Specifies these as a priority enforcement area."
]
},
"citation": "325D.49 to 325D.66"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Identification of sections for enforcing fraudulent advertising."
],
"removed": [
"None mentioned as removed."
],
"summary": "This bill references sections 325F.68 to 325F.70 under the Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act for enforcement against fraudulent practices.",
"modified": [
"Clarified enforcement context."
]
},
"citation": "325F.68 to 325F.70"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"New conditions for tenant notices."
],
"removed": [
"No existing definitions removed."
],
"summary": "Modifications are made to multiple subdivisions of section 504B.001 as reference points for defining violations.",
"modified": [
"Clarification and expansion of violation definitions."
]
},
"citation": "504B.001"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Energy efficiency measures added to landlord responsibilities."
],
"removed": [
"No existing responsibilities removed."
],
"summary": "This section involves amending covenants in leases under section 504B.161.",
"modified": [
"Landlord obligations detailed more comprehensively."
]
},
"citation": "504B.161"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Increased specification on tenant procedure for escrow."
],
"removed": [
"No existing procedures removed."
],
"summary": "Procedures for rent escrow during violation situations are modified under section 504B.385.",
"modified": [
"Adjustment in tenant rights and processes described."
]
},
"citation": "504B.385"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Greater clarity added to notification processes."
],
"removed": [
"None identified as removed."
],
"summary": "Modification pertains to informing landlords about violations under section 504B.395.",
"modified": [
"Expanded landlord notification standards."
]
},
"citation": "504B.395"
}
]