Minnesota Fair Housing: Protected Classes Explained

Understanding your rights as a renter in Minnesota is essential—especially when it comes to discrimination and fair housing laws. Minnesota’s fair housing laws go beyond federal protections and establish additional safeguards for renters, helping ensure equal access to housing regardless of background or identity. This article explains which classes are protected, how these laws apply to rental situations, and where you can turn for help.

What Are Protected Classes?

"Protected classes" are groups of people shielded by law from discrimination due to certain personal characteristics. Housing providers may not refuse to rent, raise rent, or otherwise treat renters differently because of these characteristics.

Protections Under Minnesota Law

Minnesota law gives robust protection to renters by prohibiting discrimination based on:

• Race
• Color
• Creed (religion or beliefs)
• National origin
• Sex (including gender identity and expression)
• Marital status
• Disability
• Public assistance status (including Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers)
• Familial status (families with children under 18, or pregnant individuals)
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Age

These protections come from the Minnesota Human Rights Act and are enforced alongside the federal Fair Housing Act. Minnesota law covers more categories than federal law, particularly with protections for sexual orientation, marital status, public assistance, and gender identity.^[1]

Examples of Housing Discrimination

• Refusing to rent to someone because they use a Section 8 voucher
• Charging higher rent to a family with children
• Harassing a tenant because of their gender identity
• Denying reasonable accommodations to a renter with a disability

Landlords must treat applications, lease renewals, and repairs equally regardless of any protected class status.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Minnesota

If you believe you have experienced illegal discrimination as a renter, you have the right to file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). This agency investigates and enforces fair housing protections across the state.

Official Form: Housing Discrimination Complaint

• Form Name: Minnesota Department of Human Rights: Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire
• How it's used: Use this questionnaire to start a formal complaint if you believe your landlord or property manager has treated you differently because of a protected class. For example, if you are refused a rental because you receive public assistance.
• Access the official Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire here

Steps to Submit a Fair Housing Complaint

• Gather any evidence you have (emails, letters, lease documents)
• Complete the Intake Questionnaire online or by contacting the MDHR
• MDHR will review your complaint, may investigate, and let you know the outcome

Which Tribunal or Board Handles Housing Discrimination?

In Minnesota, fair housing complaints are managed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). The MDHR can investigate, mediate, and, if necessary, refer cases to the appropriate tribunal. In certain cases, housing issues may also go before a state court. For evictions and tenancy disputes more generally, the Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Court may be involved.^[2]

Related Minnesota Tenant Protection Laws

The main legislation protecting renters from discrimination in Minnesota is the Minnesota Human Rights Act (Minn. Stat. Ch. 363A). State landlord-tenant law can also be found in the Minnesota Landlord and Tenant Law (Minn. Stat. Ch. 504B).

FAQ: Minnesota Fair Housing and Protected Class Rights

1. What should I do if I think I’ve been discriminated against while renting in Minnesota?
   If you suspect housing discrimination, gather evidence and file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights using their Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire.
2. Can my landlord refuse my rental application if I use public assistance or a Section 8 voucher?
   No. Minnesota law protects renters from being denied housing due to public assistance status or use of government housing vouchers.
3. Does Minnesota fair housing law protect renters based on sexual orientation or gender identity?
   Yes. Sexual orientation and gender identity are specifically protected under Minnesota’s fair housing laws.
4. Is it discrimination if my landlord sets different rental terms for families with children?
   Yes, treating families with children differently is considered discrimination on the basis of familial status and is not allowed.
5. Where can I get help if my complaint isn’t resolved?
   If the MDHR process does not resolve your case, you may consider contacting a legal aid organization or filing in state housing court.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Minnesota law protects renters from discrimination on more grounds than federal law, including public assistance and sexual orientation.
• The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is your main contact for fair housing issues.
• Always keep documentation and know you can file a complaint at no cost.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• File a Housing Discrimination Complaint – Minnesota Department of Human Rights
• Minnesota Human Rights Act (Official Statute)
• Minnesota Housing Court Information – Minnesota Judicial Branch
• Housing and Tenant Rights – LawHelpMN

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1. See the Minnesota Human Rights Act for the full list of protected classes and fair housing provisions. Additional details can be found through the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
2. Housing disputes may be handled by the Minnesota Judicial Branch Housing Court for cases involving evictions and tenant–landlord issues.

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