Minnesota law sets tenant payment and eviction rules

A landlord may estimate a tenant’s final utility bill if the actual bill has not arrived by move-out. This applies to tenants billed for submetered or apportioned utility service. The estimate must use the immediately preceding billing period and be prorated through the move-out date. No extra charges may be added except an authorized administrative charge and an authorized late fee for unpaid charges from that preceding period. The landlord may issue the estimate if the actual utility bill has not arrived by the date the tenant moves out.

A landlord who requires or allows digital rent payments must offer a free alternative when the platform is not working. These rules cover rent and other charges paid through a platform controlled by the landlord or operated by a vendor under contract with the landlord. If the landlord knows the platform is not working, the landlord must restore access or offer another way to pay as soon as practicable. The landlord may not take adverse action, including eviction or late fees, when neither the platform nor the offered alternative works for the tenant. If a landlord violates this section, a tenant has a defense to an eviction for unpaid rent. The court must dismiss the case and may award reasonable attorney fees and other fair relief. The rules took effect August 1, 2026. The eviction defense applies to cases filed on or after that date.

A residential landlord may not name a tenant’s minor child as a defendant in an eviction case. This rule applies to residential eviction complaints against a tenant and the tenant’s minor child. A landlord may name a minor as a defendant if the minor is the only person renting the unit. The rule cannot be waived in a lease or other agreement. For a violation, the tenant may recover actual damages or $300, whichever is greater. The rule took effect August 1, 2026, and applies to eviction cases filed on or after that date.

A person seeking a faster eviction hearing on specified grounds must give specific facts to support the request. These rules apply to eviction cases based on the listed grounds. The grounds include serious danger to other residents, assault of the landlord or the landlord’s workers or contractors, intentional serious property damage, or a case under section 504B.171. A judge or referee must find enough supporting facts before setting a faster hearing. The hearing is set 5 to 7 days after the summons is issued, which is generally served within 24 hours. If the request lacks enough support, the court must impose a civil penalty of up to $750. The faster hearing can address only the listed allegations, not other claims. These rules took effect August 1, 2026, and apply to eviction cases filed on or after that date.