Minnesota LGBTQ+ Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination Rights

If you’re an LGBTQ+ renter in Minnesota, it’s important to know your rights regarding fair housing and discrimination. Minnesota law provides robust protections, ensuring that you cannot be denied housing or treated unfairly because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Understanding these rights can make a significant difference when dealing with landlords and securing a safe home.

What Laws Protect LGBTQ+ Renters in Minnesota?

Minnesota leads the nation in protecting LGBTQ+ renters. The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) specifically prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. These protections apply to every stage of the rental process, from applying for an apartment to renewing your lease.

Key Protections Under the MHRA

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent or renew a lease because of your sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Advertising or creating rental standards that discriminate against LGBTQ+ persons is illegal.
• Harassment, unequal treatment, or denial of services due to LGBTQ+ status is prohibited.

These rights apply regardless of whether you are renting from a private landlord, property management company, or public housing authority.

How to Recognize Housing Discrimination

Discrimination can be obvious or subtle. Here are some examples:

• Being denied a rental after disclosing you’re LGBTQ+
• Receiving different terms or conditions (such as higher rent or additional deposits)
• Experiencing derogatory comments or harassment from a landlord based on sexual orientation or gender identity

If you suspect discrimination, it’s important to keep records of your communication with the landlord (emails, texts, written notices).

How to File a Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint in Minnesota

If you experience discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint with the official agency that enforces housing laws in Minnesota: Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).

Official Form: Minnesota Human Rights Intake Questionnaire

• Form Name: Human Rights Intake Questionnaire
• Where to Get It: Official MDHR Intake Form
• Purpose: Used to initiate a discrimination complaint. Provide details about the property, landlord, and your experience.
• Renter Example: If you’re denied a lease renewal after coming out to your landlord, you can submit this form to start an investigation.

Federal Protections for LGBTQ+ Renters

In addition to Minnesota laws, federal rules now protect LGBTQ+ renters. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) interprets the federal Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity nationwide.

• You can also file a complaint with HUD if you believe your rights have been violated.
• Learn more about LGBTQ+ protections under HUD.

Your Rights During Tenancy

LGBTQ+ renters are entitled to full enjoyment of their rental homes, without fear of eviction, harassment, or intimidation based on who they are. Landlords must apply all rules, maintenance policies, and services equally to all tenants.

If You Face Retaliation

• Retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint is illegal.
• If you believe your landlord is trying to evict you or otherwise punish you for seeking help, report this immediately to MDHR.

Official Tribunal Handling Residential Tenancies in Minnesota

In Minnesota, residential landlord-tenant disputes, including discrimination, are handled by county Housing Courts (part of the Minnesota Judicial Branch). For discrimination complaints, the authority is the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

FAQ

1. What should I do if I believe my landlord is discriminating against me for being LGBTQ+?
   Gather evidence (emails, texts, notices), then file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights using their Intake Questionnaire. You may also contact HUD for federal protections.
2. Can my landlord evict me for filing a discrimination complaint?
   No, retaliation for exercising your fair housing rights is strictly prohibited under Minnesota and federal law. If retaliation occurs, report it immediately.
3. Is there a deadline to file a discrimination complaint in Minnesota?
   Yes, you must file within one year from the date of the most recent discriminatory act with the MDHR.
4. Are there protections for transgender renters specifically?
   Yes. Minnesota law protects against discrimination based on both gender identity and gender expression, covering all transgender renters.
5. Can I file both a state and federal complaint?
   Yes, you may file with both the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and HUD to ensure all your legal rights are considered.

Conclusion: What Minnesota LGBTQ+ Renters Should Remember

• LGBTQ+ renters in Minnesota are protected under both state and federal fair housing laws.
• You can file official complaints if you face discrimination—act promptly and keep good records.
• Your landlord cannot evict, harass, or otherwise punish you for exercising your rights.

Knowing these protections helps ensure you can live securely and comfortably in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Department of Human Rights - File a Complaint
• MDHR Housing Discrimination Rights
• Minnesota Housing Court Information & Forms
• HUD - LGBTQ+ Fair Housing Protections
• Minnesota Human Rights Act Full Text
• Legal Help MN: Housing Discrimination

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1. Minnesota Human Rights Act (Minn. Stat. § 363A)
2. Minnesota Department of Human Rights
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing
4. Minnesota Housing Court

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