Purpose

This bill amends the eviction process for nonpayment of rent by requiring a detailed written notice before a landlord can start eviction proceedings. The notice is designed to clearly explain what the tenant owes and provide information on legal help and financial assistance.

Key Provisions

• Written notice required before eviction action: The landlord must notify the tenant with the basis for future eviction if rent is not paid.
• Required contents of the notice:
  • The total amount due
  • An itemized accounting of amounts from unpaid rent, late fees, and other charges under the lease
  • The name and address of the person authorized to receive rent and fees on behalf of the landlord
  • A statement that the tenant has the right to seek legal help, with information on Legal Aid and how to find it (LawHelpMN.org)
  • A statement about how to apply for financial help (local county or Tribal social services, MNBenefits.mn.gov, or the United Way information line via 211 or 800-543-7709)
  • A statement that the landlord can file an eviction action if the total amount is not paid or the tenant does not move out within 14 days, with note that some local governments may require longer notice
• Notice delivery and timing:
  • The notice must be delivered to the tenant in person or by first-class mail at the leased address
  • If the tenant fails to cure the rent delinquency within 14 to 30 days (the exact period may depend on local rules) or fails to vacate, the landlord may proceed with eviction under the existing process
• Local rules may extend the notice period:
  • Some local governments can require a longer eviction notice period than 14 to 30 days

Notable Changes to Law

• Adds explicit written notice requirements with a detailed breakdown of the amount due
• Integrates mandatory information about legal aid and financial assistance resources
• Specifies delivery methods and ties the timeline to local government rules for notice periods

Practical Implications

• Tenants gain clearer information about what they owe and where to get help
• Tenants have a defined window (14–30 days, subject to local rules) to pay or respond
• Landlords must provide a more detailed notice, potentially affecting timelines and administrative steps

Relevant Terms eviction action nonpayment of rent written notice Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 504B.321 subdivision 1a total amount due unpaid rent late fees other charges rent and fees name and address of person authorized to receive rent legal help Legal Aid LawHelpMN.org financial help MNBenefits.mn.gov 211 United Way eviction timeline 14 days 30 days delivery personally first-class mail local government rule local eviction notice period subdivision 1