Minnesota Roommate Agreement Clauses Every Tenant Should Know

When sharing a rental apartment or house in Minnesota, having a clear and written roommate agreement can help prevent misunderstandings and costly disputes. Minnesota renters who plan to live with roommates—whether splitting rent, sharing chores, or subletting—should understand how to create and enforce a legally sound agreement. This guide covers must-have clauses for Minnesota tenants and practical resources you can use right now.

Understanding Roommate Agreements in Minnesota

A roommate agreement is a private contract between tenants and is not the same as your lease with the landlord. While Minnesota law doesn’t require roommate agreements, having one provides written proof of expectations and responsibilities. If disagreements arise, this document can help resolve them more quickly. Remember, most landlords will only hold those on the lease agreement responsible for rent and damages unless your lease says otherwise.

Must-Have Clauses for Minnesota Roommate Agreements

Roommate agreements can be customized, but it’s wise to include these key clauses for clarity and fairness:

• Names and Lease Info: List all roommates, their contact information, and clarify who is officially on the lease with the landlord.
• Rent Payment: Specify everyone’s share of rent, the due date, and how you’ll make payments (e.g., direct to landlord or one roommate collects and pays).
• Utilities: Detail how bills (electric, gas, internet, etc.) will be split and who will manage each account.
• Security Deposit: Explain how you’ll handle the deposit—both paying it up front, and dividing it when moving out, especially if there’s damage.
• Household Duties: Assign shared cleaning, trash, snow shoveling (where required by city code), and other tasks.
• Quiet Hours and Guests: Set rules for visitors, overnight guests, parties, and expected noise levels.
• Conflict Resolution: State how you’ll resolve disputes—for example, a house meeting or mediation.
• Moving Out: Explain the notice required if a roommate leaves, responsibility for finding a replacement, and end-of-tenancy procedures.

Agreeing in writing about these topics helps everyone feel safe and respected in the shared home.

Are Roommate Agreements Legally Binding in Minnesota?

Roommate agreements can be enforced as ordinary contracts between roommates. However, Minnesota’s Landlord and Tenant Law (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B) governs the lease and landlord-tenant relationship, not private agreements between roommates^[1]. If your roommate breaks your agreement, you may need to go to conciliation court (small claims court) for disputes over money.

Official Forms and Government Resources for Roommates

While Minnesota does not have a state-issued official "Roommate Agreement" form, several legal resources offer free templates. You may refer to the Sample Roommate Agreement from LawHelpMN (a nonprofit legal aid resource funded by state judicial sources) for structure and language ideas. Adapt this template to your living situation before signing.

Landlord Notification: Adding or Removing Roommates

• Written Notice to Landlord: If a new roommate moves in, send a written notice to your landlord and ask for written approval if required by your lease. There’s no official state form, but the letter should include:
  • Names of incoming/outgoing roommates
  • Effective date of change
  • Request for approval if necessary

Practical example: If a roommate leaves in the middle of the lease, the remaining tenants should immediately notify the landlord in writing and specify plans for rent payments and finding a new roommate. For guidance, review the tenant rights and forms provided by the Minnesota Attorney General's Landlord and Tenant Handbook.

What Disputes Are Covered by the Housing Court?

The Minnesota Housing Court handles landlord-tenant disputes about evictions, rent, and damage, but not contract issues solely between roommates. For contract disputes, use the Conciliation Court (Small Claims Court).^[2]

Relevant Minnesota Tenancy Legislation

The primary law covering rentals is the Minnesota Landlord and Tenant Law (Chapter 504B). Be sure to review these statutes when writing your agreement, as they set out required notices, rights, and duties for tenants and landlords.^[1]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a roommate agreement in Minnesota?
   While it's not legally required, a written roommate agreement helps clarify shared responsibilities and prevents disputes between roommates.
2. Can the landlord evict all roommates if one breaks the lease or agreement?
   If all roommates are on the lease, the landlord can take action against everyone for lease violations. Issues only in the roommate agreement are handled privately.
3. How do I add or remove a roommate during the lease?
   Send a written notice to your landlord and review your lease for procedures. Some landlords require a screening or lease amendment.
4. Is there an official Minnesota roommate agreement form?
   No official state form exists. However, services like LawHelpMN provide sample agreements to customize for your situation.
5. Where can I resolve disputes if my roommate won't pay their share?
   Money-related roommate disputes can usually be resolved in Minnesota's Conciliation Court (Small Claims Court).

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Put your agreement with roommates in writing and include essential clauses on money, chores, and expectations.
• Use Minnesota's Landlord and Tenant Law for guidance, but remember it applies to the landlord-tenant relationship.
• Handle disputes through open communication, and use small claims court for money issues if needed.

A clear, written roommate agreement protects you and helps build a positive living situation for everyone involved.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Handbook
• Minnesota Housing Court (handles tenant-landlord disputes)
• Minnesota Conciliation Court (for small claims)
• Sample Roommate Agreement (LawHelpMN)
• Minnesota Housing (State housing programs)

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1. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Minnesota Housing Court

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