SF4947

Purpose

This provision would let a residential tenant (or their authorized representative) end their lease early if they lose income or have a reduced income that makes paying rent impossible. It sets how to notify the landlord, what documents are needed, and what happens to rent obligations after termination.

Main Provisions

• Definitions

  • Income: includes salary, wages, tips, commissions, and professional fees.
  • Qualifying document: can be employer documentation showing termination or income reduction, or, if employer docs aren’t available, a statement by the tenant (or their authorized representative) describing the income loss, why the docs aren’t available, and a sworn statement that the information is true.

• Right to terminate with notice

  • A residential tenant or their authorized representative may terminate the lease before it ends if they have lost income or their income was reduced and they cannot pay rent because of that loss.
  • A written notice must be sent to the landlord at least 14 days before the proposed termination date.
  • The qualifying document must be delivered with the written notice.
  • The notice and qualifying document can be delivered by mail, in person, or by any written communication method the tenant regularly uses with the landlord.

• Date of termination and rent liability

  • If the notice and qualifying document are provided as required, the lease terminates on the proposed termination date.
  • The tenant remains liable for rent and other amounts owed before the termination date, including during the notice period.

• Waivers not allowed

  • Any contract provision that tries to waive these rights or extend the notice period beyond the stated minimum is void and unenforceable as against public policy.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a new provision (504B.213) adding a formal process for terminating a residential lease due to loss of income, including specific definitions, required documentation, a 14-day notice, and a prohibition on waiving these rights.

Practical Impact

• Gives tenants a controlled way to end a lease early if they suffer income loss, without fearing automatic eviction for nonpayment tied to that loss.
• Maintains rent liability for amounts due up to termination, including during the notice period.
• Prevents landlords from demanding longer notices or penalizing tenants for using this right.

Relevant Terms - Landlord - Tenant - Residential lease - Termination of lease - Loss of income - Income (salary, wages, tips, commissions, professional fees) - Qualifying document - Employer documentation - Authorized representative - Written notice - 14 days - Notice period - Rent liability - Sums owed - Waiver - Public policy - Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B