Minnesota Laws on Rent Gouging: What Renters Need to Know

If you're renting in Minnesota, you might wonder whether your landlord can raise your rent without limit or what counts as 'rent gouging.' Understanding how Minnesota regulates rent increases is key to knowing—and defending—your rights as a tenant. This guide explains rent gouging, what Minnesota law says about it, and where to turn for help if you believe your rent increase is unfair or unlawful.

Understanding Rent Gouging in Minnesota

Unlike some states, Minnesota does not have a statewide law that limits how much a landlord can increase rent. Currently, there is no statewide rent control. However, rent gouging—defined as raising rent to an unreasonable or excessive level, especially during emergencies—may be addressed under certain local ordinances or emergency orders. Cities such as St. Paul and Minneapolis may implement their own local rules.

While Minnesota landlords generally have the right to set and increase rents, there are laws that protect tenants from unfair or retaliatory increases, and rules on how much notice must be given.

How and When Can Rent Be Increased?

• No statewide rent cap: Outside of local ordinances, there is no percentage cap on rent increases for most leases.
• Written notice: For most periodic tenancies (like month-to-month leases), landlords must give 'proper notice'—typically at least as much notice as your interval between rent payments (often 1 rental period or 30 days). See Minnesota Statute 504B.135.
• Lease terms apply: If you have a fixed-term lease, your rent cannot be raised until the lease ends—unless your lease specifically allows increases mid-term.
• Retaliation is prohibited: Minnesota law forbids landlords from increasing rent to punish tenants for asserting legal rights, such as requesting repairs or reporting code violations. Read about retaliation protections.

Summary: Landlords must follow notice requirements and cannot use rent increases to retaliate, but most properties aren't subject to rent caps unless local laws say otherwise.

Rent Gouging During Emergencies

During declared emergencies, price-gouging laws may occasionally impact rent increases—but Minnesota does not have permanent statewide price gouging protections for rental housing. If a city issues an emergency ordinance (for example, related to a natural disaster), special rules could apply. Always check your local government’s website for updated policies during emergencies.

Local Rent Control Ordinances

Some Minnesota cities may implement their own rent control rules. For example, St. Paul residents voted to enact a local rent stabilization ordinance (see St. Paul's Rent Stabilization Program). These ordinances generally:

• Limit the percentage by which rent may be increased each year
• Allow landlords to seek exceptions or hardship increases by application
• Often require landlords to provide tenants with annual written notice of rent increases and their rights

Check with your city government or local housing office to see if special protections apply to your rental unit.

Required Forms: Notice of Rent Increase

There is no single statewide 'Notice of Rent Increase' form, but landlords must provide written notice per Minnesota law. If your landlord gives you a notice, it should be in writing and include:

• The new rent amount
• The date it goes into effect
• Your current lease end date (if applicable)

Example: If your lease is month-to-month, and your rent is due on the 1st, your landlord generally must notify you in writing at least 30 days ahead of any increase. Notices can be delivered in person or by mail.

What to Do If You Suspect Rent Gouging or an Improper Increase

If you feel your rent is being raised unfairly, take these steps:

• Request the rent increase notice in writing
• Check your lease for relevant terms
• Contact your local housing authority for local protections
• If in St. Paul, you may report suspected violations to the city’s Rent Stabilization Program

How to File a Rent Dispute or Retaliation Complaint

• Use the “Complaint (Housing Action)” form to file with the Minnesota Housing Court if your landlord has unlawfully increased rent in retaliation. See official landlord-tenant forms.
• You may submit this form in person or online through the Minnesota Judicial Branch eFile system.

Example: If you receive a rent increase notice shortly after asking for repairs, and you suspect retaliation, you can file this form with your local Housing Court.

Your Rights Under Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Law

• All renters are protected by the Minnesota Landlord and Tenant Statutes, Chapter 504B
• Rent increases must comply with lease agreements and notice requirements
• Landlords cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights
• Check local housing office requirements, as your city may have additional rules

The Minnesota Housing Court, part of the state’s district court system, handles residential tenancy disputes. Visit the Housing Court official page to learn more about your options or file a complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rent Gouging in Minnesota

1. Is there statewide rent control in Minnesota?
   No. Minnesota does not have statewide rent control, but some cities like St. Paul may have their own rent regulation rules.
2. How much notice does my landlord have to give before raising rent?
   For periodic leases, typically at least one full rental period (such as 30 days) written notice is required.
3. What can I do if my landlord increases my rent to retaliate against me?
   Minnesota law prohibits retaliation. You can file a complaint with Housing Court using the Complaint (Housing Action) form.
4. Where can I file a complaint about an unfair rent increase?
   Complaints can be filed with the Minnesota District Court’s Housing Court. If your city has rent control, you may also contact your local ordinance enforcement office.
5. Are security deposits affected by rent increases?
   Security deposits are governed separately. Increases may only apply if your new lease or renewal agreement covers a higher deposit; otherwise, your original deposit stands.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Minnesota has no statewide rent cap, but notice and anti-retaliation rules protect renters
• Some cities may have local rent control or rent gouging ordinances—always check your city’s rules
• Disputed rent increases may be addressed through Housing Court using official complaint forms

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office: Assistance for renters facing unfair practices
• Minnesota Housing: Information about tenant rights and city ordinances
• Minnesota Housing Court: File complaints or learn about hearing processes
• St. Paul Rent Stabilization Program: Details for St. Paul residents

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1. Minnesota Statute 504B.135 – Termination of Tenancy
2. Minnesota Statute 504B.441 – Retaliation
3. Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant
4. Minnesota District Court: Housing Court
5. St. Paul Rent Stabilization Program

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