Minnesota Rental Applications: Criminal History and Your Rights

Thinking about renting in Minnesota and wondering if your criminal history will affect your housing search? This guide helps renters understand what landlords can ask during a rental application, the rules under Minnesota law, and the fair housing protections in place. Knowing your rights helps you confidently navigate the rental process and respond to potential discrimination.

Can Landlords Ask About Criminal History in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, landlords are generally allowed to ask about criminal history during the rental application process. However, state laws and local ordinances limit what landlords can consider, how far back they can look, and require fair evaluation of any records. Twin Cities renters — especially those in Minneapolis and Saint Paul — are protected by additional local ordinances that place stronger restrictions on when and how criminal background checks can influence rental decisions.

What the Law Says Statewide

Minnesota law does not prohibit the use of criminal history in screening rental applicants, but fair housing laws make it illegal to use that information to discriminate based on race, national origin, disability, or other protected classes. All landlords must follow the federal Fair Housing Act and Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibit discriminatory housing practices.^[1]

Special Protections in Minneapolis and Saint Paul

In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, local "Renter Protections" ordinances restrict what information landlords can use:

• Landlords cannot deny rental applications based solely on misdemeanor convictions older than three years, or felony convictions older than seven years (except for certain serious offenses).
• Arrests, dismissed charges, expunged records, or juvenile records cannot be considered at any stage.
• Landlords must provide renters with written screening criteria and specific reasons for any denial.^[2]

For more, see the Minneapolis Renter Protections overview.

What Landlords Can and Cannot Do

Across Minnesota:

• Landlords can run criminal background checks, but those in Minneapolis and Saint Paul must follow stricter timelines and only use permitted types of records.
• Decisions based on criminal history must be applied consistently to all applicants.
• It is illegal to reject an applicant because their criminal history is associated with a disability that qualifies under fair housing law.

For more detailed guidance, see the Minnesota Department of Human Rights: Housing Rights page.^[3]

If You Are Denied Housing Due to Criminal History

If you believe you were unfairly denied housing because of your criminal record — especially if you think the decision was discriminatory — you have rental rights and options to take action.

• Always request written reasons for your denial; landlords in larger cities must provide this automatically.
• Compare your rejection with the written screening criteria you received.
• If the denial seems unjust or discriminatory, you can file a complaint.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) is the main government agency handling discrimination in housing, including issues related to criminal history.^[4]

• Use the Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire (MDHR Form) to start your complaint.
• This form allows renters to describe in plain language how they believe they have experienced discrimination regarding criminal background checks.
• Return the completed form to the MDHR by mail, email, or online. Details are on the first page of the form.

After submitting, the agency may reach out for more information. Keep all related documents handy.

Relevant Legislation and Agencies

• Minnesota Human Rights Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 363A) sets out protection against housing discrimination.
• The official tribunal for disputes: Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings handles certain residential tenancy hearings and fair housing cases.^[5]
• Local ordinances: Saint Paul Renter Protections and Minneapolis Renter Protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord in Minnesota automatically reject me for any criminal record?
   No. While landlords can consider criminal history, Minneapolis and Saint Paul renters have extra protections that limit how records can be used, and discrimination based on protected characteristics is illegal.
2. Are expunged or juvenile records allowed in rental background checks?
   No. Minnesota law and local ordinances prohibit considering expunged or juvenile records in rental decisions.
3. How far back can landlords look into criminal history for rental applications?
   In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, landlords are limited to reviewing felonies from the past seven years and misdemeanors from the past three years, with exceptions for specific serious crimes.
4. Do I have to be told why I was denied a rental due to my background?
   Yes. If you are denied housing, especially in Minneapolis or Saint Paul, you have a right to a written explanation listing the exact reason and screening criteria.
5. Where do I report a landlord for unfair screening in Minnesota?
   You should report possible discrimination to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Landlords in Minnesota may ask about criminal history, but strong local and state protections limit what they can do with this information.
• Minneapolis and Saint Paul renters benefit from extra safeguards and clearer rules.
• If you are denied based on criminal history, you always have the right to know why and to file a complaint if you suspect discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Department of Human Rights: Housing Rights – For support, factsheets, and to file discrimination complaints.
• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office – Offers renter information and complaint help.
• Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings – Handles certain rental disputes and fair housing cases.
• HousingLink – Listing service with fair housing information for Minnesota renters.

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1. [1] Minnesota Human Rights Act (MN Statutes Chapter 363A)
2. [2] Minneapolis Renter Protections; Saint Paul Renter Protections
3. [3] Minnesota Department of Human Rights: Housing
4. [4] How to File a Complaint with MDHR
5. [5] Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings

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