Minnesota Landlord Move-In Disclosure Rules for Renters

Moving into a new rental in Minnesota? Before you sign a lease or pick up your keys, state law requires landlords to provide certain disclosures and information. These rules protect renters by ensuring you know about property conditions, payment details, and potential risks up front.

What Minnesota Landlords Must Disclose Before Move-In

Minnesota law lays out clear requirements for information landlords must give new tenants. These disclosures help renters make informed decisions and avoid future disputes.

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For buildings built before 1978, landlords must provide a federal pamphlet on lead hazards and disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards in the property.
• Outstanding Inspection Orders: If there are unaddressed housing code violations, including orders to fix health or safety hazards, landlords must tell you and provide copies of the orders before you sign the lease.
• Contract for Deed: If the property is subject to a contract for deed cancellation (which could put your tenancy at risk), you must be informed in writing.
• Name and Address for Service: The landlord or their agent’s name and address must be given to tenants for official notices and requests.
• Utilities: If you are responsible for any utilities, the landlord must disclose this and give cost information for the last two years.
• Security Deposit Details: Rules about your security deposit and the landlord’s obligations for returning it must be provided.

Knowing these details before you move in can help protect your security deposit and ensure a smooth tenancy.

Key Official Disclosure Forms and How They’re Used

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal Form for Minnesota): Landlords must use the official Lead Disclosure Form for rental properties built before 1978. You should receive and sign this form before the lease begins. For example, if you’re moving into a 1960s apartment, ask for this disclosure before signing any contract.
• City-Specific Inspection Order Notices: If the city where you’re renting has placed an order to repair a code violation, landlords must supply a copy of this order. Tenants can also check with local housing code enforcement for more information about property status.

These documents help you understand any risks—and ensure the property is safe and legal for you to live in.

Your Rights Under Minnesota Rental Law

Minnesota’s main tenancy laws are found in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant. This law outlines your rights to disclosures, safety standards, repairs, and fair treatment as a renter. Official disputes or issues are handled by the Minnesota District Court’s Housing Court in relevant counties.

If Disclosures Are Missing or Incomplete

If your landlord has not provided the required disclosures—or if you suspect missing or false information—Minnesota law may allow you to cancel the lease or seek legal remedies. Start by:

• Requesting the missing disclosure in writing
• Contacting the city inspections or housing authority
• Filing a complaint with your local Housing Court if serious disclosures are being withheld

If you have not received a disclosure you believe is required, document your request and any responses. This record will help if you need to take further action.

Understanding Inspection Orders and Code Violation Notices

Landlords must notify you if there are uncorrected city or housing code violations that affect your apartment’s safety, health, or structure. You should receive a copy of any such city-issued order if it is still outstanding at lease signing.

• Check the property’s inspection history with your city or municipal code office if you have concerns.
• Always keep a copy of all disclosures and forms provided at move-in for your records.

Utilities and Renters: Required Utility Disclosures

If you are expected to pay for some or all utilities, state law requires the landlord to provide a written statement saying which utilities are your responsibility and the average monthly or annual costs from the previous two years (Minnesota Statutes 504B.215).

Frequently Asked Questions (Minnesota Renters)

1. What must Minnesota landlords tell me before move-in?
   Landlords must share any outstanding inspection orders, lead-paint risks (if applicable), security deposit rules, name/address for notices, and utility cost info.
2. Am I entitled to know about housing code violations?
   Yes. Landlords must disclose—and provide copies of—any city orders requiring repairs that have not yet been resolved at the time of lease signing.
3. What if my landlord hasn't given me the required disclosures?
   Request them in writing first. If issues persist, you can contact your city housing authority or file a complaint with your local Housing Court for help.
4. Does my landlord have to tell me about utility costs?
   Yes, if you are responsible for any utilities, you must get a written disclosure and two years of past utility cost info before you lease.
5. Where can I find Minnesota's rental laws?
   You can read the full text of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B (Landlord and Tenant) for all official rules and responsibilities.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Landlords must provide information about any property hazards, code violations, utilities, and lead paint risks before you move in.
• Official disclosure forms are required, and missing disclosures can give you legal options.
• Keep copies of all documents and know your rights under Minnesota housing law.

Being informed helps protect your rights and ensures a smoother renting experience in Minnesota.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Housing Court – Landlord & Tenant Help Topics (Minnesota Judicial Branch)
• Minnesota Attorney General - Landlords and Tenants Handbook
• HUD: Minnesota Tenant Rights
• Your local city or county housing authority for inspection orders and advice

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1. [1] Minnesota Statutes § 504B.161 – Covenants of Landlord and Tenant
2. [2] Minnesota Statutes § 504B.195 – Disclosure of Contracts for Deed
3. [3] Minnesota Statutes § 504B.215 – Utilities Paid by Tenant; Disclosures
4. [4] EPA - Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
5. [5] Minnesota Judicial Branch - Housing Court

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