Minnesota Tenant Rights for Short-Term Vacation Rentals

Renting a home, condo, or apartment for a short-term vacation stay in Minnesota can bring up questions about your rights and protections as a tenant. Whether you found your place through a popular online platform or rented directly, it's important to understand the legal landscape for short-term vacation rentals. This guide covers key rights, eviction rules, and official government resources so you can rent in Minnesota with greater confidence.

What is a Short-Term Vacation Rental?

In Minnesota, a short-term vacation rental usually means you rent a place to stay for less than 30 days. These rentals are commonly advertised on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or through local rental agencies. While they provide flexibility, short-term stays often have different rules and protections than traditional leases under Minnesota law.

Are Short-Term Renters in Minnesota Covered by Tenant Laws?

Most renter protections in Minnesota—found in the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B - Landlord and Tenant Law—apply to traditional leases where someone rents a dwelling as their primary home. Short-term bookings, especially those under 30 days, may be considered “transient” lodging and not entitled to the same protections as typical tenants.

• Short-term renters staying less than 14 days typically have limited legal rights under state law.
• Some local ordinances may provide extra protections or require licenses for hosts. Always check city regulations, especially in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Duluth.
• If you're renting for 30 days or more, standard tenant rights generally apply.

Before booking, ask for a written rental agreement outlining your terms, cancellation policies, and expectations.

Notice and Eviction Rules for Short-Term Stays

Unlike traditional month-to-month or year-long leases, most short-term vacation rentals are considered licensee agreements. Landlords (or hosts) do not typically have to provide formal written notice to end your stay unless you signed a lease specifying otherwise. However:

• If you overstay your booking, the property owner may ask you to leave immediately.
• If you refuse to leave, the owner must file an eviction (called an "unlawful detainer" action) in district court—just like with regular tenancies.
• Eviction Court Forms must be used for this process.

Official Eviction Court Forms and How They're Used

• Complaint in Eviction Action (Form: Eviction Action Complaint)
  When used: Property owners file this to begin legal eviction if a guest does not leave at the end of their stay.
  Example: If your short-term reservation ends and you don't vacate, the owner completes this form and files it with the Minnesota District Court.
  Access official eviction forms on the Minnesota Judicial Branch site.
• Affidavit of Service of Eviction Action
  When used: To confirm the legal notice of eviction was delivered to the renter.
  Example: If you're being evicted after overstaying, you must be properly served using this affidavit.
  Find the service affidavit form here.

Rent Increases, Maintenance, and Deposits

For short-term vacation rentals (less than 30 days), there are usually no state-set limits on rate increases or requirements around repairs and maintenance. Any duties are set by your agreement or the rental platform's terms. However, for longer stays (30 days or more), here's what typically applies:

• Security deposits must be returned within 21 days after you move out for traditional tenancies. For short-term rental security deposits, check your specific agreement.
• The host or owner must provide safe and habitable conditions even for short-term stays—clean, functional plumbing, safety locks, and working smoke detectors.

If issues arise (like hazardous conditions), try resolving with the host directly first. For bookings over 30 days, you may have rights to request repairs or withhold rent under Minnesota's Rent Escrow Law.

What If You Face Discrimination?

Even for short-term stays, Minnesota law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. Complaints can be filed with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights if you believe you have been treated unfairly.

Where are Disputes Handled?

Renter-landlord disputes, including eviction filings, are handled by the Minnesota District Courts. For many matters, forms and self-help guides are available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch Landlord and Tenant Self-Help Center.

FAQ: Short-Term Rentals in Minnesota

1. Do normal tenant protections apply to short-term vacation rentals?
   Most tenant protections in Minnesota apply to leases 30 days or longer. Rentals under 30 days are usually treated as “transient,” with fewer formal protections.
2. Can a short-term renter be evicted without written notice?
   Generally yes—if your rental agreement does not specify a notice period, the owner can ask you to leave at the end of your reservation. If you overstay, the owner must seek a court eviction.
3. What should I do if the property is unsafe or the host won’t address issues?
   Report urgent problems to the host first. For longer-term stays (30+ days), use state repair request processes or seek local health department help. Safety issues can prompt immediate local inspections.
4. What are my rights if my short-term host discriminates against me?
   You are protected by state and federal fair housing laws. File a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights if you experience unlawful discrimination.
5. Where can I get help if I have a dispute about my short-term rental in Minnesota?
   Contact the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s Landlord and Tenant Self-Help Center or your local district court for guidance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Vacation Renters

• Short-term vacation rentals under 30 days in Minnesota have limited tenant protections—always check your agreement and local rules.
• If you overstay or have a dispute, property owners must use the formal eviction process through district court.
• Safety, anti-discrimination, and some local rules still apply, so keep records and know where to find help.

Knowing your rights as a short-term vacation renter can help you avoid misunderstandings and protect yourself during your stay in Minnesota.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law (official legislation)
• Minnesota Judicial Branch Landlord and Tenant Self-Help Center
• Official Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Court Forms
• Minnesota Department of Human Rights – Housing Discrimination Complaints
• Find Your Local District Court

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1. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Minnesota Judicial Branch Landlord and Tenant Self-Help Center
3. Minnesota District Court: Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Forms
4. Minnesota Department of Human Rights – Housing Discrimination Intake

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