Minnesota Rental Housing Health Codes: What Renters Need to Know

Renters in Minnesota have important rights when it comes to the health and safety of their homes. The state enforces minimum housing health codes that landlords must follow to ensure rental units are safe, sanitary, and habitable. This article explains the main health code requirements for rentals in Minnesota, who oversees them, and what you can do if your housing isn't up to standard.

Minimum Health & Safety Standards for Minnesota Rentals

Every rental in Minnesota must meet certain health and safety standards as set by state and local housing codes. These codes are designed to protect tenants' physical and mental well-being by making sure homes are safe, secure, and livable.

Basic Health Code Requirements for Rentals

The following are the typical minimum requirements for rental housing in Minnesota, as outlined in the statewide housing maintenance code and local ordinances:

• Structural safety: The home must be structurally sound, with walls, roofs, windows, and doors in good repair.
• Sanitation: Landlords must provide plumbing, including working hot and cold water, and safe sewage disposal.
• Heat: The unit must have reliable heating facilities able to keep all rooms at a minimum of 68°F from October through April.
• Ventilation and Light: Adequate ventilation and natural or artificial light are required in living areas.
• Safety devices: Functioning smoke detectors (and carbon monoxide detectors, if applicable) are required by law.
• Infestation control: Rentals must be free from health hazards such as insects, rodents, or mold.
• Appliances and Facilities: Appliances included with the unit, such as stoves and refrigerators, must be safe and work properly.

The main statewide law covering these standards is the Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.161 – Covenant of Habitability. Many cities, like Minneapolis and St. Paul, have additional local housing maintenance codes. Check with your city or county for any extra requirements.

Who Enforces Housing Health Codes in Minnesota?

Local governments handle housing code enforcement in most of Minnesota, with city or county inspectors responding to complaints. If you are in a larger city (like Minneapolis or St. Paul), the city's housing inspections office is your main point of contact. In smaller towns and rural areas, contact your county public health or building department.

For legal disputes about habitability and tenant rights, the Minnesota Judicial Branch Housing Court is the official tribunal overseeing landlord-tenant cases, including code violations and habitability claims.

How to Report a Health or Safety Violation in Your Rental

If you believe your landlord is not meeting health or safety standards, you have several options for making a formal complaint:

• Notify your landlord in writing. Give specific details and request repairs.
• If unresolved, contact your local city or county housing inspections office. An inspector may visit and require the landlord to make repairs.
• You may also have the right to file an official action with housing court under the "repair and rent withholding" process, called an Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (ETRA) Form.

Essential Official Forms Used by Minnesota Renters

• Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (ETRA):
  Form HOU110 – Emergency Tenant Remedies Action Petition
  Use this form if you have urgent repair needs (such as no heat, water, or severe infestations) and the landlord will not act, even after written notice. Example: Your heat is out in January, and your landlord refuses to fix it within a reasonable time. File ETRA with the court to force repairs or seek rent abatement.
• Rent Escrow Action:
  Form HOU102 – Rent Escrow Action Petition
  Use this if you've notified your landlord about repairs and they haven’t been made within 14 days. Example: Persistent leaks left unrepaired after notice—file this form with the court and pay your rent into escrow until repairs are made.

Find all Minnesota landlord-tenant forms from the official Minnesota Judicial Branch Landlord-Tenant Forms page.

Legal Protections and Renter Rights

As a Minnesota renter, you are protected under the Covenant of Habitability (Minnesota Statutes § 504B.161). This law requires landlords to:

• Maintain the property in reasonable repair and compliant with health and safety statutes
• Provide all essential utilities agreed upon in your rental agreement
• Address any dangerous or unhealthy conditions promptly

FAQ: Minnesota Rental Health & Safety Standards

1. What should I do if my landlord won't fix health code violations?
   Start by sending written notice to your landlord describing the issue. If no repairs are made, contact your local inspections office or file a Rent Escrow Action or Emergency Tenant Remedies Action with housing court.
2. Are landlords required to provide heat in Minnesota rentals?
   Yes. State law requires landlords to provide heating facilities that can maintain at least 68°F in all rooms from October 1 to April 30.
3. How do I file a health or safety complaint in Minnesota?
   Report first to your landlord, then to your local housing inspections office. For unresolved urgent issues, you can file an ETRA or Rent Escrow Action with the Minnesota courts.
4. Can I withhold rent if my apartment is unsafe?
   You must follow Minnesota's legal process by either filing a Rent Escrow Action or Emergency Tenant Remedies Action—never simply stop paying rent without using the formal process.
5. What agency resolves disputes about habitability in Minnesota?
   The Minnesota Judicial Branch Housing Court handles landlord-tenant disputes, including habitability and health code cases.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Minnesota law requires rentals to be safe, clean, heated, and in good repair.
• Document all issues and requests for repair in writing.
• Use official forms and legal processes, like ETRA or Rent Escrow, to protect your rights.

Learning these steps makes it easier to resolve repair issues and maintain a healthy home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Judicial Branch – Landlord-Tenant Help Topic: Forms, instructions, and legal resources for renters
• Minnesota Department of Health – Healthy Homes Resources: Health, safety, and code links
• Contact your local city or county housing inspector for complaints and inspections
• Free legal aid: LawHelpMN – Landlords & Tenants

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1. Minnesota Statutes § 504B.161 – Covenant of Habitability
2. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Regulation
3. Minnesota Judicial Branch – Landlord-Tenant Disputes
4. Minnesota Judicial Branch – Landlord-Tenant Forms
5. Minnesota Department of Health – Housing Codes

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