Minnesota Renters: Who Handles Internet in Apartments?

Having reliable internet service is increasingly important for Minnesota apartment renters, whether for work, education, or daily life. Understanding who is responsible for providing and paying for internet in rental units helps prevent confusion and disputes. This guide explains your rights, landlord duties, and what steps to take if issues arise with internet service in Minnesota apartments.

Who Is Responsible for Internet Service in Minnesota Rentals?

Unlike essential utilities like heat or water, Minnesota law does not require landlords to provide internet service in residential rental units by default. This means that, unless specifically stated in your lease, the tenant is generally responsible for setting up and paying for internet.

• If your lease states that internet is included: The landlord must provide internet as described.
• If your lease is silent about internet: You, the renter, must set it up at your own cost.
• Landlords must allow access for installation if you choose to set up service, as long as no major alterations are made to the property.

It’s important to review Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.161, covering landlord obligations regarding essential services, to understand what counts as a “required service.”^[1]

Lease Agreements and Internet Service

Your rental agreement determines who pays for and maintains internet access. Carefully read your lease—they often specify whether internet is included as an amenity or if it’s up to you to arrange. If internet is listed as ‘included,’ you can reasonably expect the landlord to ensure service is up and working. Otherwise, it’s your responsibility.

What If Internet Service Is Disrupted?

If your landlord provides internet per your lease agreement and the service goes out, you should:

• Notify your landlord in writing promptly
• Request reasonable repairs or restoration of service
• Document your communications for records

If they do not resolve the issue, you can explore remedies through Minnesota's tenant protection laws for breach of lease agreements.

Can Landlords Restrict Your Choice of Providers?

Landlords may set up preferred providers for whole buildings or complexes, but they cannot forbid you from obtaining your own internet, unless the lease specifically restricts additional installation. You may need permission for permanent modifications (like installing new wiring), but basic hookups or modems are usually permitted.

Internet, Essential Services, and Minnesota Tenant Protections

While internet is not considered an “essential utility” under Minnesota law, renters do have rights regarding access, habitability, and landlord entry. For services not covered by law but included in your lease (like internet), a landlord’s failure to provide what was promised may allow you to file a formal complaint or pursue remedies.

If a landlord deliberately turns off or disconnects internet (if included in the lease), it may be considered a violation of your rental agreement. Review Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.205 for tenant remedies regarding loss of utility services, which can also guide your options for other amenities.^[2]

What Forms Should Minnesota Renters Use?

While there is no Minnesota-specific form for "internet issues," renters can use the Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (ETRA) process if a landlord's failure significantly affects habitability or essential services.

• Form Name: Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (ETRA), Form HOU105
• When to use: If your landlord agrees in the lease to provide internet and fails to do so—especially if you can show it’s essential for health, safety, or access to remote work—you may be able to file this petition.
• How to use: Complete Form HOU105 - Petition for Emergency Relief, describe the problem, and file it with the local housing court.

For other complaints, contact your local city housing inspector or the Housing Court of the Minnesota Judicial Branch if you need help asserting your rights.

How to File a Complaint or Take Action

To address issues with internet service in Minnesota apartments, renters can follow these steps:

• Review your lease terms regarding internet
• Communicate with your landlord in writing about the problem
• Allow a reasonable time for response
• If unresolved, submit a complaint to your city housing office or file a court petition if your rights or lease terms are violated

Disputes over amenities like internet are generally handled by the Minnesota Housing Court or your district court landlord-tenant division.^[3]

FAQs: Minnesota Renters and Internet Responsibilities

1. Is my landlord required to provide internet in my Minnesota apartment?
   No, unless your lease specifically states that internet is included, landlords are not legally required to provide it in Minnesota.
2. What should I do if the included internet service stops working?
   Notify your landlord in writing and request prompt repairs. Keep a record of all communication in case you need to take further action.
3. Can my landlord refuse to let me set up my own internet?
   Landlords generally can’t prevent you from installing basic internet service, provided you do not make major alterations to the unit. Always get written permission for permanent changes.
4. Is there a government agency to help if my landlord won’t resolve an internet dispute?
   You can contact your local city housing office or file a petition with the Minnesota Housing Court.
5. What form can I use if my landlord breaks the lease regarding internet?
   The Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (Form HOU105) can be used if a significant lease promise is broken. See Minnesota Courts website for details.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Internet service is only the landlord’s responsibility if your lease says so.
• Document any issues and always communicate in writing.
• You can file complaints or seek court help if important services included in your lease are denied or disrupted.

Remember—review your lease carefully and know what’s covered for your unit.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Housing – Resources for Renters
• Minnesota Housing Court – Tribunal for Landlord-Tenant Issues
• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office: Tenant Rights Assistance
• LawHelpMN – Tenants’ Rights Guides and Forms
• Read Minnesota’s Landlord and Tenant Statutes (Chapter 504B)

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1. Minnesota Statutes § 504B.161 – Covenants of landlord and tenant
2. Minnesota Statutes § 504B.205 – Loss of essential services
3. Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Courts

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