Can Landlords Raise Rent During a Lease in Minnesota?

If you're renting your home in Minnesota, you may wonder if your landlord can raise your rent before your lease term ends. Understanding your rights as a tenant can help you respond confidently to any unexpected notice or disagreement about rental payments.

When Can Rent Legally Be Increased in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota law, landlords cannot raise the rent during the fixed term of a written lease unless both parties agree in writing. This means that your rent amount is locked in until your lease expires. However, if you rent month-to-month without a lease, or if your original lease term has ended and you're continuing on a month-to-month basis, a landlord may increase the rent with proper written notice.
If you receive a surprise rent hike mid-lease, first check your lease agreement for any specific terms about rent adjustments.

Key Differences: Fixed-Term Leases vs. Month-to-Month Agreements

• Fixed-term lease (e.g., a 12-month lease): Rent cannot be increased during the lease period unless the lease specifically allows for it, and you and your landlord both sign agreement.
• Month-to-month rental: Landlords may raise rent with written notice of at least one full rental period in advance (typically, 30 days).

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

Minnesota Statutes require landlords to provide tenants of month-to-month rentals with at least one rental period’s written notice before raising rent—generally 30 days^[1]. This notice must be in writing and delivered in the manner set out in your lease or, if not specified, by hand delivery or mail.

For fixed-term leases, unless you voluntarily accept a rent increase in writing, your landlord has no legal right to raise the rent before the lease term ends. Read your lease carefully to confirm whether there are any clauses about mid-term rent increases or "rent adjustment" policies.

What to Do If You Receive an Improper Rent Increase Notice

If your landlord attempts to raise the rent mid-lease without the proper legal basis, you have several options:

• Politely notify your landlord in writing that your lease does not allow for a rent increase mid-term.
• Keep copies of all communications and any notice you received.
• Contact your local housing authority or legal aid for advice if your landlord continues to insist.

Relevant Official Forms for Minnesota Renters

• Complaint Form – Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
  When to use: File this form if you believe your landlord is violating renter protections, including trying to increase rent unlawfully during your lease.
  Minnesota AG Complaint Form
• Request for Housing Inspection (varies by city):
  When to use: If your landlord retaliates or threatens you with other actions, you can ask your city housing department for an inspection. For Minneapolis: Minneapolis Housing Inspections Request

Which Agency Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes?

In Minnesota, tenant-landlord issues, including those related to rent increases, are primarily handled in district court (Housing Court, where available; for example, Hennepin and Ramsey Counties). Learn more or contact the court through the Minnesota Judicial Branch's Housing Court page.

Relevant Legislation

Renter protections, including rules about rent increases, are covered under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B - Landlord and Tenant.
Be sure to review your city’s municipal codes as some cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul may have additional regulations regarding rent notices and tenant protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord raise my rent before my lease is up?
   No. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless your lease allows for it and you agree in writing.
2. How much notice does my landlord need to give for a rent increase?
   For month-to-month leases, your landlord must give written notice at least one rental period in advance (typically 30 days).
3. Is there a maximum limit to rent increases in Minnesota?
   There is no statewide limit, but most rent increases must comply with local ordinances and cannot be discriminatory or a form of retaliation.
4. Can I refuse to pay a rent increase that was not properly noticed?
   Yes. You are only legally required to pay the rent stated in your lease or in a properly noticed and lawful increase.
5. What should I do if my landlord tries to charge me more rent without written notice?
   Inform your landlord in writing and seek help from your local housing authority or the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Landlords cannot legally raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless both parties consent in writing.
• Month-to-month renters must receive proper written notice before any rent increase takes effect.
• Always read your lease and keep records of all communications.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office – Landlord-Tenant Rights
• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant
• Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Court Forms & Resources
• LawHelpMN – Landlord and Tenant Self-Help Library
• For city-specific questions, check your city’s housing department or tenant resources.

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1. Minnesota Statutes § 504B.135 – Notice of Rent Increase
2. Minnesota Statutes § 504B.161 – Covenants of Landlord and Tenant
3. Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Court
4. Minnesota Attorney General’s Complaint Form

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