Minnesota Domestic Violence Protections for Renters

If you are a tenant in Minnesota experiencing domestic violence, the law provides important protections to help keep you safe in your home. Understanding your rights and the steps you can take can make a difficult time easier to navigate. This guide covers Minnesota renter protections regarding security, lock changes, lease termination, and support services—so you can make informed decisions for your safety.

Your Rights as a Renter Experiencing Domestic Violence

Minnesota law gives tenants who have experienced domestic abuse several key legal protections. These rights apply regardless of gender and are designed to support your safety and housing stability. If you or a household member are a victim, you may be entitled to:

• Request lock changes to keep out an abuser
• End your lease early without penalty in specific situations
• Protection from eviction solely due to being a victim
• Confidentiality regarding your circumstances

All tenant rights relating to domestic violence are set by the Minnesota Statutes, Section 504B.206 and other relevant laws¹.

Changing Your Locks for Safety

You have the right to request a lock change if you or another tenant in your rental unit is a victim of domestic abuse, or if a court has issued an order for protection against someone who previously had access to your home.

How to Request a Lock Change

• Notify your landlord in writing that you are a victim of domestic abuse and request that locks be changed.
• Provide a copy of a court order for protection or a signed domestic abuse no-contact order, or submit a written statement from a qualified third party, such as a medical provider or advocate.
• Your landlord must change the locks within 48 hours or sooner if urgently needed.
• If the landlord refuses, you may change the locks yourself and provide a key to the property owner within 24 hours.

The official guidance is available on the Minnesota Attorney General's Domestic Violence and Landlord-Tenant Information page.

Ending Your Lease Early for Safety

Some tenants need to move for safety reasons. Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.206 allows eligible victims of domestic violence to terminate a lease before it ends, without penalty.

• You must provide your landlord with written notice—including a copy of a valid order for protection, no-contact order, or a third-party statement—at least 14 days before leaving.
• Your obligation to pay rent ends on the date you vacate, though you may be required to pay for the month you leave.

The required form under Minnesota law for lease termination is commonly referred to as the Domestic Abuse Lease Termination Notice. Minnesota does not have a state-issued form number, but the notice must include specific information outlined in the statute. See statutory language and requirements here.²

Official Tribunal Handling Housing Disputes

In Minnesota, residential tenancy disputes (including issues related to security, locks, and eviction) are generally handled in Minnesota Housing Court. Filing procedures and tenant resources are detailed on the Minnesota Judicial Branch official site.

Required Documentation and Practical Renter Steps

• Order for Protection (OFP): A court-issued document protecting victims from abuse. Used to request lock changes or end a lease. Find official OFP forms here.
• Domestic Abuse No-Contact Order: Restricts an offender from contacting a victim. Valid for requesting lock changes or lease termination. Issued by criminal court. Learn more about obtaining a no-contact order.
• Third-party Professional Statement: A letter from a qualified professional (medical, law enforcement, or advocate) confirming abuse occurred. Must include statutory language. See statutory sample and requirements.
• Written Notice to Landlord: There is no specific state-issued PDF form, but your notice should include:
• Date you intend to vacate
• Statement citing your eligibility under Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.206
• Attached supporting documentation (e.g., OFP or professional statement)

Forms, sample letters, and instructions are provided by the Minnesota Law Help site for reference, but always refer to the state statutory requirements for final wording.

Protecting Your Privacy and Safety

Landlords may not disclose information regarding your status as a victim, your new address (if you move), or share details of your written request except as required by law or with your permission.

1. Can my landlord evict me if I call the police about domestic violence?
   

   No. Minnesota law prohibits landlords from retaliating against or evicting tenants solely because they or someone in the household is a victim of domestic abuse. You are protected when seeking police help or other emergency assistance.

2. What if I cannot get a court order—can I still request lock changes or end my lease?
   

   Yes. If you do not have a court order, you can provide a written statement from a qualified third party (doctor, advocate, police officer) confirming abuse, following statutory language requirements.

3. Do I need to pay for changing the locks?
   

   Your landlord may require you to cover the reasonable costs of rekeying or replacing the lock unless otherwise stated in your lease. Always request a receipt.

4. How quickly must the landlord act on my request for safety?
   

   The landlord must change locks within 48 hours after receiving your valid request (or 24 hours if it is an emergency, or if you change them yourself, you must give a key within 24 hours).

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Minnesota law protects renters facing domestic violence—allowing for lock changes, early lease termination, and privacy safeguards.
• You must send written notice with proper documentation to invoke these protections—visit official Minnesota court and government sources for forms and guidance.
• If your landlord fails to comply or retaliates, you may contact Minnesota Housing Court or seek legal support for assistance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Judiciary Domestic Abuse Help Topics (orders for protection, forms and court info)
• Minnesota Attorney General: Landlord & Tenant Rights re: Domestic Violence
• Minnesota Tenant Rights Resources (housing help and advocacy)
• For emergencies: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

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1. Minnesota Statutes, Section 504B.206 – Victims of Violence: Lease Termination and Locks
2. Minnesota Attorney General's Guidance on Domestic Violence Tenant Rights

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