Can Landlords Change Locks Without Consent in Minnesota?

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Minnesota, it’s vital to understand your rights around lock changes. Lockouts can cause hardship and confusion, especially if you’re unsure whether your landlord acted lawfully. This guide covers what Minnesota law says about landlords changing locks, when it is allowed, and what you can do if it happens to you.

Lock Changes and Tenant Rights in Minnesota

Under Minnesota law, landlords generally cannot change the locks on a rental unit without the tenant’s consent or a specific court order. Doing so, especially to evict a renter, is considered an unlawful act called a "lockout." This is strictly prohibited by the state's residential tenancy laws.

• Lock changes without tenant consent are illegal except in rare, court-ordered circumstances.
• Landlords must follow proper legal eviction procedures, including serving an eviction notice and obtaining a court order.
• After a proper eviction, landlords may change the locks, but only after obtaining a Writ of Recovery (court order).

What Minnesota Law Says

The official law on this issue is found in the Minnesota Statutes § 504B.225: Lockouts Prohibited and in general tenancy procedures under Minnesota Statutes § 504B.285: Eviction Actions.^1,2

It's important to know: If you have not abandoned the property or been formally evicted by the court, your landlord cannot change your locks or bar you from entering your home.

Exceptions: When Can a Lock Change Be Lawful?

The only legal justifications for a landlord to change the locks are:

• After receiving a court order for removal (Writ of Recovery) following a successful eviction action
• For emergency repairs or safety reasons, with prompt written notice provided and a new key issued to the tenant
• When the tenant has abandoned the unit, determined by criteria in state law

Even in these cases, your landlord must typically provide notice and, if the unit is still lawfully occupied, access to a new key.

What to Do if You Are Locked Out

If you find yourself locked out or your landlord has changed your locks without a court order:

• Document the situation (photos, notes of dates/times, witness information if possible)
• Contact your landlord in writing to request immediate access
• File a complaint with the local housing inspector or call law enforcement if you’re unlawfully kept from your home
• Consider filing an "Emergency Relief Action" in district court

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (Form HOU110)
  When to use: If you are wrongfully locked out by your landlord, you can file this form in district court to request immediate relief.
  Example: A renter returns home to find the locks changed without a court order. They complete Form HOU110 to ask a judge to order the landlord to give them access.
  Download the Emergency Tenant Remedies Action form (HOU110) from the Minnesota Judicial Branch

Who Handles Rental Disputes?

In Minnesota, residential tenancy matters (including lockouts and emergency actions) are handled by the Minnesota District Courts.³ Tenants can bring cases directly to these courts in the county where they live.

Steps if Your Landlord Changes the Locks Without Consent

If you believe your landlord has changed your locks unlawfully and you wish to take action, consider following these steps:

• Gather evidence: Take photos and keep written records of all events and communications.
• Write to your landlord stating your rights and requesting immediate access.
• If access is not restored, fill out the Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (Form HOU110).
• File the form at your county’s district court and ask the judge for emergency relief.
• Attend the scheduled hearing and present your evidence.

Acting quickly can help restore your rights and minimize hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord lock me out to force me to leave if I am late with rent?
   No. In Minnesota, it is illegal for a landlord to lock out a tenant without a formal court eviction order.
2. What if my landlord changes the locks after I move out but left some belongings?
   If the unit is considered abandoned, landlords may change the locks, but they must follow the property abandonment process and provide access to personal property as required by law.
3. Does my landlord have to give me a new key if they change the locks for repairs?
   Yes. If locks are changed for valid reasons, such as repairs, you must be given access (a new key) right away.
4. Can I change my locks without telling my landlord?
   No. Tenants should not change the locks without landlord permission, as this can violate the lease agreement.
5. What court should I go to if I’ve been locked out?
   Use your local district court in the county where you live to file a complaint or emergency action.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Attorney General’s Guide for Tenants and Landlords
• Minnesota Judicial Branch Housing Court Forms
• Minnesota Housing Tenant Resources
• Minnesota District Courts Directory

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1. Minnesota Statutes § 504B.225 - Lockouts Prohibited
2. Minnesota Statutes § 504B.285 - Eviction Actions
3. Minnesota District Courts - Find Your Court

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