What should I do if I think I have been scammed?

Stop communication, avoid sending more money, and report the incident to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, local police, and the Minnesota Housing Court if necessary.

Does Minnesota law require landlords to use written leases?

Minnesota law encourages written leases; if a landlord seeks payment without a lease, consider this a red flag and verify the situation.

How do I file a housing discrimination complaint in Minnesota?

Complete the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and submit it online or by mail.

Avoiding Affordable Housing Scams in Minnesota

Q: How can I tell if an affordable housing listing in Minnesota is legitimate?

To verify, check listings through official sources like Minnesota Housing or your local public housing authority, and be wary of requests for payment before viewing a unit.

Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Minnesota published June 21, 2025

Searching for affordable housing in Minnesota can be challenging, especially with high demand and limited options. Unfortunately, this environment sometimes attracts scammers targeting renters who need help most. If you’re looking for rental assistance or reduced-cost housing, it’s crucial to know how to spot scams and understand your rights under Minnesota law.

Common Affordable Housing Scams Targeting Minnesota Renters

Scammers often target renters searching for affordable housing by posing as landlords, property managers, or even government agency representatives. Here are some typical scams seen in Minnesota:

Fake Listings: Nonexistent apartments listed at below-market rates with requests for deposits before you see the unit.
Phony Application Fees: Charging for rental applications for properties the scammer does not control.
Government Grant/Assistance Scams: Fraudsters pretending to offer Section 8, HUD, or public housing assistance for a fee.
Pressure Tactics: Demanding immediate wire transfers, gift cards, or cash payments before any paperwork is shared.
Impersonation: Using lookalike emails or phone numbers supposedly from Minneapolis Public Housing Authority or the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, but with fake forms or payment requests.

Red Flags to Watch For

Landlord or agent refuses to meet or show the unit in person
No official or written lease agreement is offered
Requests for payment outside approved portals or official checks
Promises of guaranteed approval for housing in exchange for extra fees
Unverifiable or suspicious email addresses

If you encounter any of these, protect your personal information and do not send money. Always verify listings, use official application procedures, and confirm agency contacts through trusted sources.

Protecting Yourself: Minnesota Renter Rights and Official Processes

Minnesota renters have protection under state law and can use official forms and agencies to report suspected scams or unfair housing practices.

Relevant Legislation and Oversight

Minnesota tenant-landlord relationships are governed by the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant^[1]. Disputes—including those about fraud or illegal practices—may be heard by the Minnesota Housing Court.

Key Official Forms for Minnesota Renters

Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (MDHR):
Found at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, this form is used if you suspect housing discrimination, including scam attempts targeting affordable housing applicants. For example, if a listing agency denies your application after you refuse to pay a suspicious fee, you can use this form to file a complaint.
MDHR Intake Questionnaire (PDF)
Eviction Action Complaint Form:
While not specific to scams, scams sometimes result in illegal evictions or rent disputes. Use the Notice of Eviction Action (Form HOU102) if you need to respond to an unlawful demand for payment related to a fraudulent listing, and wish to present your side to the Minnesota Housing Court.

When using these forms, always download them directly from the linked official sources. Never submit application fees or sensitive documents through unofficial channels.

Reporting Scams in Minnesota: What to Do

Contact law enforcement if you lose money in a rental scam or receive threats.
Report the scam to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office (for rental fraud and consumer issues).
Alert the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if the scam involves public or Section 8 housing.
File a housing discrimination complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights if you believe the scam is based on a protected characteristic (race, disability, etc.).

Tip: Always cross-check properties on official websites such as Minnesota Housing or your local public housing authority before submitting applications or payments.

By understanding these systems, Minnesota renters can spot common affordable housing scams and take action to protect their financial and legal security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if an affordable housing listing in Minnesota is legitimate?
Verify listings through official channels like Minnesota Housing or your city’s public housing authority. Be cautious of listings without contact information, requests for wires or cash, or if the landlord avoids meeting in person.
What should I do if I think I have been scammed?
Stop all communication, do not send more money, and report the incident immediately to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and local police. You may also notify the Minnesota Housing Court if your tenancy is affected.
Does Minnesota law require landlords to use written leases?
While not strictly required for all rentals, Minnesota law (see 504B.111 Written Lease Requirement) encourages using written leases for clarity and protection. If a landlord pressures you to send money before seeing a lease, this is a red flag.
How do I file a housing discrimination complaint in Minnesota?
Use the official Housing Discrimination Complaint Form from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Submit the filled form online or by mail. This process is free and confidential.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

Never send money or personal information before seeing a unit and verifying a landlord or agency’s identity through official channels.
Use official forms and government contacts to report suspicious listings or unfair practices.
Know your rights under Minnesota law and reach out to trusted organizations if you have concerns or need support.

Staying informed helps protect you, your finances, and your housing security in Minnesota’s rental market.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency: Official agency for affordable housing programs and information.
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority: Trusted source for local public housing listings and updates.
Minnesota Housing Court: Handles residential tenancy disputes, including scam-related issues.
Minnesota Department of Human Rights: Housing Discrimination Info
Minnesota Attorney General's Office: File a Consumer Complaint