Minnesota Rent Prices and Legal Caps: 2025 Renter Guide

Understanding what you should expect to pay for rent and what legal protections exist in Minnesota is essential for renters. In 2025, average rent prices, legal caps (if any), and deposit rules impact your housing security and budgeting.

Average Rent Prices in Minnesota (2025)

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) monitors rental market trends. As of early 2025, statewide average monthly rents are:

• 1-bedroom apartment: $1,070 – $1,185
• 2-bedroom apartment: $1,365 – $1,485
• Minneapolis–St. Paul metro: 10–15% higher than state average
• Greater Minnesota cities: 5–15% lower than state average

These averages are estimates from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Your actual rent will depend on location, building age, and amenities.

Are There Rent Control or Rent Caps in Minnesota?

Minnesota does not have statewide rent control or legal caps on rent increases. Except for specific local ordinances (like in St. Paul), landlords generally may set rents as the market allows and increase them at the end of a lease term.

• Check local city regulations. For example, St. Paul has its own rent stabilization rules, usually limiting increases to 3% annually with exceptions for repairs or hardship.
• No state law sets a maximum dollar or percentage increase for rent statewide.

However, landlords must follow lease terms and give proper notice for any rent change.

Legal Rules for Rent Increases and Notices

Even though there is no rent cap, Minnesota law requires landlords to follow set procedures for raising rent:

• For month-to-month leases: Landlords must give written notice equal to one rental period (usually 30 days) before any increase.
• For fixed-term leases: Rent cannot be increased during the lease unless the agreement specifically allows it.
• All changes must be provided in writing, with details of the new rent amount and effective date.

Refer to Minnesota Statutes § 504B.135 – Notice of Rent Increase for the full legal requirements.^[1]

Allowed Fees and Security Deposits in Minnesota

Landlords can require a security deposit but must follow Minnesota state law:

• No legal maximum for the deposit amount, but it should be reasonable. Typically, this is equal to 1 month’s rent for most apartments.
• The security deposit must be returned, with interest, within three weeks (21 days) of you moving out, minus allowed deductions (unpaid rent, damages).

Details are on the Minnesota Attorney General’s official landlord-tenant handbook.

Important Tenant Forms You Might Use

• Notice to Landlord of Withholding Rent (No official form number)
  Your right if critical repairs are not made after written notice. Use a typed/printed form stating issues, referencing Minnesota Statutes § 504B.385.
  Practical Example: If your heat has failed, notify your landlord in writing. If not fixed in 14 days, you may escrow rent with the court using this notice.
  Find forms and instructions at the Minnesota Judicial Branch (Conciliation Court Housing Forms).
• Rent Escrow Affidavit (Form HOU202)
  Used if the landlord does not fix issues after written notice.
  Practical Example: Your apartment has water leaks not repaired on time. After giving written notice and waiting the required days, complete and submit this affidavit to local Housing Court.
  Rent Escrow Affidavit and instructions (Minnesota Judicial Branch).
• Notice to Vacate (No official form number)
  Used by tenants to end a month-to-month tenancy. Provide written notice at least one rental period in advance.
  Learn more from the Attorney General’s handbook.

All forms are processed by your local District Court Housing Court Division, Minnesota’s official board handling residential tenancy disputes.^[2]

Where to Get Help with Rent Concerns

Issues about rent increases or deposits are commonly resolved through discussion or the local court. Minnesota’s official landlord-tenant tribunal is the District Court Housing Court Division. For more information, refer to the Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing page.

Key Minnesota Tenancy Laws

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Rights

This chapter covers all rental rules for Minnesota—including notice requirements, deposits, repairs, and lease termination.

FAQ: Minnesota Rent and Deposit Questions

1. How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase in Minnesota?
   Landlords must provide written notice equal to one full rental period (typically 30 days) before the new rent takes effect.
2. Can my Minnesota landlord charge non-refundable fees?
   No. All security deposits—including "fees" labeled as such for damages or cleaning—must be refundable unless used for specific unpaid rent or repairs.
3. Does Minnesota have statewide rent control?
   No. The state does not cap rent increases. Certain cities like St. Paul may have local rules.
4. What do I do if my landlord won’t return my deposit?
   You may file a complaint with your local Housing Court using court forms if your landlord fails to return your deposit within three weeks, minus allowed deductions.
5. Where can I access official tenant forms for Minnesota?
   You can find all official forms, including rent escrow and notice templates, on the Minnesota Judicial Branch's Housing Court forms page.

Conclusion: What Minnesota Renters Should Know

• Minnesota has no statewide rent cap, but written notice is required for any rent increase.
• The security deposit must be returned within 21 days of move-out, with interest.
• Find all forms and get help through the Minnesota District Court Housing Court Division or official state agencies.

Review your lease and local laws before signing, and keep written records of all rent and deposit communications.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Court: For rent disputes, forms, and court support
• Minnesota Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Handbook: Comprehensive renter and landlord rights
• Minnesota Housing Finance Agency: Rent assistance and housing resources
• Law Help MN – Landlord/Tenant Self-Help: Free legal resources

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1. See Minnesota Statutes § 504B.135 – Notice of Rent Increase
2. For housing disputes and forms: Minnesota District Court Housing Court
3. State rental law: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant

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