Sealing an Eviction Record in Minnesota: Step-by-Step Guide

Having an eviction on your record can make finding a new home challenging. Minnesota law allows renters to request that some eviction cases be sealed, meaning they won't appear on most public background checks. Understanding how to seal an eviction record can help protect your rental history and open more doors for future housing.

Understanding Eviction Records in Minnesota

In Minnesota, when a landlord files an eviction (also called an "unlawful detainer") action against a tenant, the case creates a public record. Even if you win the case or settle, it may still show up on tenant screening reports—unless it is sealed by the court.

Who Oversees Eviction Cases?

The Minnesota Judicial Branch Housing Court oversees eviction cases and decisions about sealing records. Housing courts operate within the Minnesota State Court System.

When Can an Eviction Record Be Sealed?

According to Minnesota law, judges may order an eviction record sealed in certain situations. Some of the most common are:

• The eviction action was dismissed.
• You (the tenant) won the case.
• The parties (landlord and tenant) reached a settlement that calls for the record to be sealed.
• Sealing is in the "interests of justice."

Sealing a record is discretionary—the judge decides based on the details of your case, following the Minnesota Statutes Section 484.014 (Sealing of eviction records)¹.

Official Forms for Sealing an Eviction Record

If you want to ask the court to seal your eviction case, you'll need to complete and file specific court forms. Below are the main forms and how to use them:

1. Motion to Seal Eviction Case (Form: EXP110)

• Form Name & Number: Motion to Seal Eviction Record (Form EXP110)
• When to Use: Use this form if your eviction case was dismissed, you won, or you believe sealing is justified.
• How to Use: Fill out the form with your case details and reasons for requesting the sealing. File it with the housing court that handled your eviction case. An example is when a tenant was wrongly named in an eviction and wants the record hidden from future landlords.
• Download the Motion to Seal Eviction Record (EXP110) from the Minnesota Judicial Branch

2. Notice of Motion and Hearing (Form: CIV601)

• Form Name & Number: Notice of Motion and Hearing (Form CIV601)
• When to Use: You must notify the landlord that you are asking the court to seal the record and inform them of your hearing date.
• How to Use: Complete and serve this form on your former landlord, then file proof with the court. For example, if you settled your case and the landlord agreed to sealing, you must still officially notify all parties.
• Download the Notice of Motion and Hearing (CIV601)

Where to File Your Forms

Submit your completed forms to the housing court within the county where your eviction case was heard. You can find details about county court locations on the Minnesota Judicial Branch Find Courts page.

Step-by-Step: How to Request Sealing of Your Eviction Record

Here's a brief overview of what Minnesota renters can expect when applying to seal an eviction record:

• Review your eviction case outcome (dismissed, settled, or other).
• Download and complete the Motion to Seal Eviction Record (EXP110) and Notice of Motion and Hearing (CIV601).
• File your forms with the court where your eviction case was handled.
• Serve notice on your former landlord as required.
• Attend the hearing, if the court schedules one. Be prepared to explain why sealing your record is in the interest of justice.
• Wait for the judge's decision. If approved, your case will be sealed and hidden from most public search results.

What Does It Mean When a Record Is Sealed?

Once sealed, an eviction record will not appear in most public searches or tenant screening reports. This helps prevent a past eviction from unfairly affecting your future rental opportunities. However, landlords and background check companies that accessed the record before it was sealed may still have copies.

Relevant Minnesota Tenancy Law

The main Minnesota law covering this process is Minnesota Statutes Section 484.014 Sealing of Eviction Records¹. For general renter protections, the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant² provides a comprehensive overview of tenant rights and obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sealing Eviction Records in Minnesota

1. Who can apply to seal an eviction record? — Any party to an eviction case in Minnesota (typically the tenant or their attorney) may request the court to seal the record under the right circumstances.
2. Is there a fee to file a motion to seal? — Yes, there may be a court filing fee, but fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay. See the IFP (In Forma Pauperis) fee waiver forms.
3. How long does it take to get an eviction record sealed? — The timeline varies by county and whether a hearing is required, but typically the process may take several weeks from filing to a court decision.
4. Can a landlord object to the sealing of my record? — Yes, the landlord has the right to appear at the hearing and present reasons against sealing. Ultimately, the judge makes the decision.
5. Will sealing remove my eviction from all records? — Sealing will remove your eviction case from most public searches, but cannot undo any records already shared with third parties before sealing.

Conclusion: What Minnesota Renters Should Remember

• Sealing an eviction record in Minnesota is possible—especially if you win or settle your case.
• Use the official court forms and follow all notice procedures for the best chance of success.
• Contact the court or a legal aid organization if you need guidance during the process.

Taking action to seal your eviction history can improve your chances of finding safe and stable housing in the future.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Judicial Branch Housing Topic Page – Overview and practical help for renters and landlords.
• Minnesota Courts Self-Help Center – Court form help, procedural assistance, and live chat support.
• LawHelpMN Renters Resources – Free renter rights guides and legal information.
• Trouble paying fees? Download the In Forma Pauperis fee waiver forms to apply for a waiver.

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1. Minnesota Statutes Section 484.014 – Sealing of Eviction Records
2. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant

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