Purpose

This bill would create a new right for a prospective tenant to view a rental dwelling before leasing. It aims to increase transparency by ensuring tenants can see the unit in advance, either in person or remotely, before agreeing to rent.

Main Provisions

• Landlord notification requirement: The landlord must notify a prospective tenant of the option to view the dwelling that the landlord intends to rent to them.
• Right to view in person: At the prospective tenant’s request, the landlord must allow them to visit the dwelling before leasing.
• Right to view remotely: If the prospective tenant cannot visit in person, the landlord must allow remote and electronic viewing of the dwelling before leasing.
• Waivers invalid: Any agreement by which a tenant waives this right is void and against public policy.
• Remedies and damages: If a violation occurs, the tenant can recover treble actual and consequential damages or $1,000 (whichever is greater), plus reasonable attorney fees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a new consumer protection to Minnesota Statutes, specifically within Chapter 504B, creating a formal right for prospective tenants to view rental units.
• Establishes a mandatory notification and viewing duty for landlords, expanding tenant protections.
• Introduces a strong monetary remedy framework (treble damages, plus attorney fees) and makes waivers of this right unenforceable.

Relevant Terms

prospective tenant, landlord, dwelling, rental unit, view, visit, in person, remote viewing, electronically view, before leasing, notice, waiver, public policy, damages, treble damages, actual damages, consequential damages, attorney fees, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B