Tenant Rights During Repairs in Minnesota

Living in a Minnesota rental property that's undergoing repairs can be stressful. Understanding your rights as a tenant ensures your home stays safe and comfortable—even during construction or maintenance. This guide covers what protections Minnesota law provides, what your landlord must do, and what steps you can take if repair work disrupts your living situation.

What Are Your Rights During Building Repairs?

Minnesota law requires landlords to keep rental units in good repair and fit for habitation. When significant repairs are needed—including major plumbing, heating, electrical, or structural work—there are specific protections for tenants:

• Advance notice: Landlords must give you reasonable advance notice before entering your unit, except for emergencies.
• Right to a habitable home: Even during repairs, your unit must be safe, with proper heat, running water, and sanitation.
• Alternative accommodations or rent reduction: If repairs make part or all of your rental unlivable, you may have the right to a temporary rent reduction or relocation expenses.

These rights are outlined under the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant^[1].

Landlord Obligations and Notice Requirements

Landlords must:

• Provide written notice of entry at least 24 hours before repairs, unless there is an urgent emergency.
• Perform repairs promptly and minimize disruption to tenants.
• Offer rent abatement (temporary rent reduction) or alternative living arrangements if repairs make the unit unsafe or inaccessible.

For full legal details, visit the Minnesota Attorney General’s Tenant Rights page.

What Can You Do If Repairs Make Your Home Unlivable?

If ongoing repairs leave you without essential services or your rental becomes hazardous, you can take these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing about the problem and request a timeline for completion.
• If they fail to act, consider filing a Rent Escrow Action.
• Document everything: keep records of your communication, photos of affected areas, and receipts for any expenses (like alternative accommodations).

Official Forms for Minnesota Renters

• Rent Escrow Affidavit (Minnesota Housing Court Form HOU102)
  Download official Rent Escrow forms
  Use this form to deposit your rent with the court if your landlord isn’t making necessary repairs after notice. Example: Your landlord has not fixed a broken heating system despite written requests—file this form with Housing Court to ask for repairs and withhold rent until done.
• Emergency Relief Request (Form HOU301)
  Emergency Housing Action forms
  File this when you need immediate court help (e.g., the building is unsafe, and you need an emergency order).

You can file these forms at your county’s Housing Court. The overseeing tribunal for residential tenancy matters is the Minnesota Housing Court.

How Rent Reductions and Relocation Work

Rent abatement (temporary reduction) or relocation is not automatic, but Minnesota landlords must negotiate in good faith if repairs render units unusable. Typical scenarios include:

• Major plumbing or fire damage: If the unit is uninhabitable, you may qualify for hotel/motel expenses or a pause in rent.
• Partial loss of use: If only one room is affected (e.g., kitchen), partial rent reduction may be possible.

Discuss options with your landlord and put all agreements in writing. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can bring the issue to Housing Court using the forms above.

FAQ: Minnesota Tenant Protections During Repairs

1. Can my landlord force me to move out during repairs? Minnesota law generally requires voluntary agreements for relocation, except in emergencies or condemned properties. Landlords must work with you on accommodations or compensation when repairs make the space unsafe.
2. How much notice must my landlord give before starting repairs? Landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice unless there is an urgent emergency, such as a burst pipe or fire damage.
3. Am I entitled to lower rent if part of my apartment is unusable? If essential areas are unusable due to repairs, you may negotiate a rent reduction or use the Rent Escrow process. Consult Housing Court if you and your landlord cannot agree.
4. What if my repairs are not being completed promptly? Notify your landlord in writing, and if unresolved, file a Rent Escrow Action with Minnesota Housing Court for legal intervention.
5. Who oversees renter complaints in Minnesota? The Minnesota Housing Court is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Housing Court: Find local Housing Court contact info, complaint filing instructions, and forms.
• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office – Tenant Rights: Advice on repairs, disputes, and your responsibilities.
• LawHelpMN: Free legal assistance and information for Minnesota renters.

---

1. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant
2. Minnesota Housing Court
3. Minnesota Attorney General’s Office – Tenant Rights

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations