Minnesota Rental Properties: Safe Drinking Water Laws Explained

Access to safe, clean drinking water is essential for every Minnesota renter. The state enforces specific health and safety standards to ensure rental properties meet water quality requirements. Understanding these laws can help you know what to expect from your landlord and what steps to take if you ever encounter water safety issues in your rented home.

Safe Drinking Water Requirements for Minnesota Rentals

Landlords in Minnesota are required to provide rental properties with water that is safe to drink and use for daily living. These requirements are set by both state and federal laws designed to protect public health, including renters.

Minnesota's Landlord Obligations

• Keep all plumbing and water supply systems in good repair and comply with Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.161 - Covenants of Habitability.
• Ensure that water provided to tenants meets standards set by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
• If the property uses a private well, the landlord is responsible for testing the water for contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, and arsenic and correcting problems promptly.
  (See Minnesota Well Owner Responsibilities.)

If you have concerns about your water's color, taste, odor, or clarity, notify your landlord right away. Landlords must make necessary repairs and corrections to ensure all water is potable (safe to drink) and meets health standards.

What Are the Water Quality Standards?

The standards for safe drinking water in Minnesota rental properties are established by state and federal guidelines:

• Water must not contain harmful levels of bacteria, chemicals, or contaminants.
• All plumbing fixtures supplying water must function properly and be free of leaks or damage.
• For private wells, water testing is recommended at least once a year, and required when a new tenant moves in.
• Any rental property connected to a municipal (city) water supply is regulated by the local water utility and the MDH.

These standards are in place to protect your health and living conditions.

What to Do If You Suspect Unsafe Drinking Water

If you notice issues with your tap water—such as a strange smell, taste, cloudiness, or visible particles—take these steps:

• Contact your landlord or property manager right away and request testing or repairs.
• If your property has a well, ask for a copy of the most recent water quality test results.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• MDH Well Water Testing Kit Request Form
  When to use: If your water comes from a private well and you want to independently test its quality, you may request a testing kit. This is especially useful if your landlord has not provided recent test results.
  Request a Well Water Testing Kit (PDF)
• City or County Health Department Complaint Form
  When to use: If unsafe drinking water problems aren’t resolved, you can file an official complaint with your local health authority. For example, Minneapolis renters can use the Tenant Report an Issue Form to request an inspection.
• Rent Escrow Action (Minnesota Court Form HOU102)
  When to use: If your landlord does not fix water safety issues after being notified, you have the right to file a rent escrow action. This lets you pay your rent to the court until repairs are made.
  Minnesota Rent Escrow Forms and Instructions (official site)

Who Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes in Minnesota?

Most housing and repair disputes—such as failure to supply safe water—are handled in Minnesota Housing Court (part of the Minnesota Judicial Branch). This is where you can file tenant repair requests (like a rent escrow action) if the landlord will not resolve water issues.

Relevant Minnesota Tenancy Law

Your right to safe drinking water is protected by the Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Law: Covenants of Habitability (Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.161).
This law requires landlords to keep rental premises "fit for the use intended... and in compliance with any applicable health and safety laws"—which includes providing safe, potable water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my rental’s tap water looks or smells bad?
   Report it to your landlord immediately in writing. Ask them to arrange for professional testing, especially if the issue persists.
2. Is my landlord required to test the water in my rented house or apartment?
   If the property uses a private well, landlords are expected to test the water for safety, especially when new tenants move in. For properties with city water, regular municipal testing applies.
3. Can I withhold rent if water issues aren’t fixed?
   Withholding rent on your own is risky and not recommended. Instead, file a rent escrow action with the court to address repairs legally and protect your rights.
4. Who do I contact if my landlord ignores water safety complaints?
   Contact your local health department or file a complaint through your city’s inspections office. You can also use Minnesota Housing Court for unresolved disputes.
5. Does the law apply to all types of rental properties?
   Yes. The safe drinking water obligation and the habitability laws apply to apartments, single-family rentals, and mobile homes in Minnesota.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords in Minnesota must provide safe, drinkable water in every rental home.
• If you suspect unsafe water, report it—written notice is always best—and request prompt testing or repairs.
• If problems aren’t fixed, use official complaint forms or consider filing a rent escrow action with housing court.

Knowing your rights about safe drinking water helps you protect your health and ensures your home meets essential living standards.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Department of Health: Drinking Water Program – Information and support on water quality and safety.
• Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.161 – Full text of the state's habitability law for rental properties.
• Minneapolis Tenant Report an Issue Form – For city of Minneapolis renters needing inspections or code enforcement.
• Minnesota Housing Court – For rental repair disputes, including rent escrow actions and repair orders.
• Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities – Guide for renters’ rights and landlord duties.

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1. Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.161 – Landlords’ obligations for habitability
2. Minnesota Department of Health – Drinking Water Program
3. EPA – National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
4. Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Court
5. Minnesota Attorney General – Tenants’ Guide

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