Does Minnesota have statewide rent control?

No, Minnesota does not have statewide rent control. Only local governments, such as St. Paul, may enact rent control if approved by voters.

What should I do if my landlord raises rent by more than 3% in St. Paul?

File a complaint with the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections using their official online form.

Is rent control active in Minneapolis?

Not yet. While city officials have authority to draft rent control ordinances, none are in effect as of 2024.

How much notice does a landlord need to give for a rent increase in Minnesota?

Typically, Minnesota law requires at least one full rental period of written notice or as stated in your lease.

Where do I go if I have a landlord-tenant dispute in Minnesota?

Most disputes are handled by Minnesota District Courts. Local city offices may help with rent control issues where applicable.

Rent Control Campaigns and Tenant Protections in Minnesota

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Minnesota published June 21, 2025

Understanding the history of rent control campaigns in Minnesota is essential for renters wanting to protect themselves from steep rent hikes. While statewide rent control has not been enacted, multiple Minnesota cities have considered and debated rent stabilization, with tenants taking an active role in these historic campaigns. This guide covers the laws, major local initiatives, official forms, and what options renters have if facing rent increases.

Background of Rent Control and Stabilization in Minnesota

Unlike some states, Minnesota has no statewide rent control law. However, its cities are permitted to adopt local rent control or stabilization ordinances if approved by voters, thanks to Minnesota Statutes § 471.9996 ^[1]. This legal framework has enabled historic local campaigns, especially in Minneapolis and St. Paul, aiming to help renters cope with rising costs.

Notable Rent Control Campaigns in Minnesota

St. Paul 2021 Rent Stabilization Initiative: In November 2021, St. Paul voters passed a rent stabilization ordinance capping annual rent increases at 3%. This was a landmark moment, making St. Paul the first Midwestern city to pass such a measure ^[2].
Minneapolis Housing Efforts: Minneapolis residents also voted in 2021 to give the City Council authority to craft a rent control ordinance. While as of 2024 a citywide measure is still in discussion, the activist campaign continues to shape local housing policy ^[3].

Both cities relied heavily on community organizing by renters, advocacy groups, and legal aid organizations. These efforts highlight the power of renter voices in influencing housing laws and protections.

What Current Rent Control or Stabilization Means for Renters

At the time of writing, only St. Paul enforces an active rent stabilization measure. Minneapolis is still developing its rules. Throughout the rest of Minnesota, rent control is not in effect, but tenants remain protected from retaliation and illegal lease changes under state law.

Key Minnesota Laws and Protections

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B - Landlord and Tenant sets the rules for residential leases, notice for rent increases, and tenant protections^[4].
Any local rent control rules apply only in the city that enacted them. St. Paul, for example, has its rent stabilization administrative rules and enforcement handled locally.

If you feel a rent increase violates St. Paul’s rent stabilization ordinance, or if your landlord tries to raise your rent through retaliation or without proper notice elsewhere in Minnesota, you have the right to take action.

Renter Action Steps: Responding to Unlawful Rent Increases

If you believe your rent increase violates local stabilization laws or state law, you can:

Contact your city’s housing office. In St. Paul, this is the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI). You can reach them on the official St. Paul Rent Stabilization page.
If a landlord fails to provide proper notice for a rent increase, use the official complaint process with your local housing office or seek mediation through the courts.
Collect all documents, including your lease, notice from the landlord, and any communications regarding the rent increase.

Always check if a rent stabilization or control rule applies specifically to your city. Rules and enforcement vary between St. Paul, Minneapolis, and other areas.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

St. Paul Rent Stabilization Inquiry/Complaint Form: Use if you are a St. Paul renter and believe your landlord is violating the 3% annual cap.
Submit online or download from DSI's Rent Stabilization page. Example: If your rent is increased by more than 3% in one year without exception, fill out this form to start an investigation.
St. Paul Petition for Landlord Right to Appeal Rent Increase: Landlords and tenants both can use the city’s official forms to appeal or contest stabilization decisions. Download petitions here.
District Court Complaint Forms: For renters statewide facing security deposit issues or other disputes where mediation fails, the Minnesota Courts Housing Forms can be used. (E.g., if you must file a housing claim against a landlord.)

In most cities, local ordinances and complaint processes will be the main route for concerns about rent control or rent increases. Elsewhere in Minnesota, statewide landlord-tenant laws apply, and disputes typically go through the District Court system.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes?

For most rental disputes in Minnesota, the Minnesota District Courts handle actions like eviction, rent disputes, or appeals^[5]. In St. Paul, complaints about rent stabilization are handled administratively by DSI before any escalation to the courts.

FAQ: Minnesota Rent Control and Related Rights

Does statewide rent control exist in Minnesota?
No. Only local governments, like St. Paul, can pass rent control measures by voter approval.
What do I do if my rent is increased by more than 3% in St. Paul?
You can contact St. Paul DSI and file a rent stabilization complaint using the official forms listed above.
Is there rent control in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis voters approved city authority to craft a rent control ordinance, but as of 2024, no citywide rule is yet in effect.
How much notice does my landlord have to give before raising rent elsewhere in Minnesota?
Minnesota law generally requires proper written notice—typically at least one full rental period or as indicated in your lease.
Where can I go if my dispute isn’t solved by local housing offices?
You may bring your case to the Minnesota District Courts, which oversee landlord-tenant matters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections Rent Stabilization – Information, forms, and complaint submission for St. Paul renters
Minnesota Judicial Branch: Landlord-Tenant Information – Official forms and court self-help resources
Minnesota Attorney General – Tenant Rights Resources – Guidance, complaint options, and tenant protections
Legal Aid and Housing Information (LawHelpMN) – Statewide resources for renters seeking legal advice