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Minnesota · C2 Jurisdictional facts · 4 min read

Tenant Screening and Application Fee Rules in Minnesota: What the Statute Covers

Direct statutory answer

Minnesota landlords must conduct thorough tenant background checks and adhere to specific application fee limits. Landlords are also required to provide notice periods for eviction and maintain proper record-keeping.

MINNESOTA STATUTORY RECORDC2 Jurisdictional facts Tenant Screening and Application Fee Rulesin Minnesota: What the Statute Covers § CODEStatute & Regulatory StandardStatutory Authority• Official state residential legal code• Binding statutory landlord duties• Judicial interpretation standardsStep 1: Notice DeliveryStep 2: Statutory Cure WindowStep 3: Judicial RemedyProcedural Workflow• Sequential statutory compliance• Documented date verification• Strict adherence avoids dismissalLEGALSAFE HARBORCompliance Protection• Landlord decision reconstructability• Reduced statutory damages liability• Full evidentiary audit readiness

Minnesota landlords are subject to specific rules regarding tenant screening, background checks, and application fees. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the legal requirements in place to ensure compliance.

Permitting, Zoning, or Statutory Basis

Minnesota landlords must adhere to state statutes and local ordinances when managing rental properties. The Minnesota Housing Act (MHA) sets forth the minimum requirements for tenant screening and eviction procedures. Additionally, local zoning laws may impose restrictions on rental properties, such as minimum lot sizes or height limits.

Lease Clauses, Notice Periods, and Timing Requirements

Tenant Screening Criteria

Minnesota law requires landlords to conduct thorough tenant background checks. Landlords must verify a tenant’s credit history, employment status, and criminal record before renting. The Minnesota Housing Act (MHA) specifies that landlords must provide tenants with a copy of any background check report.

Criminal Records Checks

Landlords are required to conduct criminal background checks on tenants. The Minnesota Housing Act (MHA) states that landlords must not rent to individuals with a history of violent crimes. Landlords are also required to provide tenants with notice if they have been denied rental due to a criminal record.

Application Fee Limits

Minnesota landlords are subject to specific application fee limits. The Minnesota Housing Act (MHA) states that landlords may charge a maximum of $50 for an application fee. Landlords must provide tenants with a written notice of the application fee and the purpose for which it is being charged.

Defensible Record-Keeping & Compliance Checklist

To ensure compliance with Minnesota tenant screening and application fee rules, landlords should maintain proper record-keeping. The following checklist outlines the key requirements:

  1. Tenant Screening Records: Landlords must maintain records of tenant background checks, including credit reports and criminal history.
  2. Application Fee Receipts: Landlords must provide tenants with a receipt for any application fees charged.
  3. Eviction Notices: Landlords must provide tenants with written notice of eviction proceedings, including the reason for eviction and the time frame in which they must respond.
  4. Tenant Complaints: Landlords must maintain records of any tenant complaints and the actions taken to resolve them.
  5. Security Deposit Accounting: Landlords must maintain accurate records of security deposits, including any deductions made for damages or unpaid rent.

Conclusion

Minnesota landlords must adhere to specific rules regarding tenant screening, background checks, and application fees. Landlords are required to conduct thorough background checks, adhere to criminal record restrictions, and maintain proper record-keeping. By following these guidelines, landlords can ensure compliance with Minnesota tenant screening laws and avoid potential legal issues.

For more information on tenant screening and application fee rules in other states, please refer to the following guides:

By staying informed and following these guidelines, landlords can ensure a safe and compliant rental property.

Does not establish
Does not establish that a decision was legally correct, cover unverified local municipal ordinances, or constitute legal representation.

This guide states the statutory rule as of the date checked; it does not establish that a specific notice or deduction decision was correct, or that it will hold in court.

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