Minnesota Rent Caps and Local Rent Control Ordinances Explained

Many renters across Minnesota wonder if rent increases in their city are limited by law. Rent control and rent stabilization are important protections in some areas, but rules vary by city. If you're concerned about rising rent or are facing a sudden increase, it's crucial to know what state laws and local ordinances might apply to you as a Minnesota renter.

What Is Rent Control and Does Minnesota Have It?

Rent control is when a city or state law limits how much landlords can increase rent each year. In Minnesota, there is no statewide rent cap—the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law does not set a limit on rent increases for most rental properties.^[1] However, Minnesota does allow individual cities to adopt rent control or rent stabilization ordinances through a local vote.

Which Minnesota Cities Have Rent Caps or Local Rent Control Ordinances?

In recent years, some Minnesota cities have adopted their own renter protections, including:

• St. Paul: Passed a rent stabilization ordinance through a 2021 ballot initiative. As of 2022, annual rent increases are generally capped at 3% for most rentals in the city, with exceptions for some types of housing and possible landlord petitions for higher increases (St. Paul Rent Stabilization).^[2]
• Minneapolis: Voters approved a measure to allow the city to enact rent control in 2021, but as of 2024, the city council has not finalized any local rent control rules (Minneapolis Rent Control Initiative).
• Other Minnesota Cities: Cities may only impose rent control if approved by voters as per Minnesota law. Most other cities in Minnesota do not have rent caps or rent stabilization in place.

It's important to check with your local city government or housing department for the most up-to-date information before making any rental decisions.

Statewide Rent Increase Rules

In places without local rent control, Minnesota law does not restrict how much a landlord can raise rent. However:

• Landlords must give "proper notice" of a rent increase as required by your lease or by law—typically at least one full rental period (often 30 days for most month-to-month tenancies).
• Rent increases cannot be made for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. If you believe a rent increase is in response to a fair housing complaint or exercising your legal rights, this may not be allowed under Minnesota fair housing laws.

How to Respond to a Rent Increase

If you receive notice of a rent increase, you may:

• Negotiate with your landlord for a delay, a smaller increase, or other changes
• Accept the new rent and continue your tenancy
• End your tenancy as required under your lease, giving proper notice

Official Forms for Minnesota Renters

There is no single statewide form for disputing rent increases in Minnesota. However, St. Paul renters may use local processes:

• St. Paul Rent Stabilization Petition Form (no number)
  When to use: If your landlord files for an exemption to raise your rent above the 3% limit, you may receive notice. You can review or challenge the petition by providing written input.
  How to use: Access forms and guidance on the St. Paul Rent Stabilization Forms and Guidance page. Submit your statement or supporting documents using city instructions.
• Rental Property Complaint Form (varies by city)
  When to use: If you believe a landlord is violating rent control or other housing rules.
  How to use: For St. Paul, file complaints via the official rent stabilization contact form.

Where Are Rent Disputes Handled?

Statewide, rental disputes—including rent increases and evictions—are usually handled in the Minnesota Housing Court, part of the District Courts system. St. Paul’s Department of Safety and Inspections handles rent control complaints before they move to court.

Relevant Minnesota Tenancy Laws

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law
• Minnesota Statutes § 471.9996 – Local Control of Rent Regulation: Gives cities authority to enact rent control by voter approval

Always review your local laws and carefully check city housing department updates for any changes to rent controls or caps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Minnesota have statewide rent control?
   No, Minnesota does not have a statewide rent cap or rent control. Some cities, such as St. Paul, have passed their own local rent stabilization measures, but these only apply within their city boundaries.
2. How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising rent?
   For most leases, landlords must provide at least one full rental period's notice (e.g., 30 days for month-to-month tenancies) before a rent increase takes effect.
3. Can my landlord raise my rent as much as they want?
   In most Minnesota cities, unless there is a local rent control ordinance, there is no legal limit on the amount a landlord can raise rent as long as proper notice is given and it's not done for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
4. What should I do if I think my rent increase violates local rent control?
   Contact your city’s housing department or file a complaint if you live somewhere with a rent cap, like St. Paul. You may also review the landlord’s petition if they seek an exemption in cities where that's available.
5. Where can I find official forms for rent disputes in Minnesota?
   Check with your city’s housing office or the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s Housing Court forms page for eviction and rental complaint documents.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Housing Court: Handles rental disputes, evictions, and tenant-landlord matters statewide.
• St. Paul Rent Stabilization Program: For rent cap or rent stabilization questions in St. Paul.
• Minneapolis Affordable Housing and Rent Control Information
• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law

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1. [1] Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law, § 504B.161
2. [2] St. Paul Rent Stabilization Ordinance

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