Minnesota maintains no statewide rent control, allowing landlords flexibility in increases but mandating strict notice periods to protect tenants. In 2025, cities like St. Paul enforce a 3% annual cap under their stabilization ordinance, while Minneapolis debates similar rules without enactment. Recent laws enhance disclosures, utility billing transparency, and anti-retaliation measures, empowering renters amid rising housing costs.
Statewide Rent Increase Rules
Landlords must provide written notice before hikes: 60 days for 10% or more increases, 30 days for less, aligning with payment frequency but capped at three months. For month-to-month leases with rent due first-of-month, December notice takes effect February 1 at earliest. Fixed-term leases bar mid-term raises unless specified, and increases cannot discriminate under Fair Housing Act.
No caps exist statewide per Minn. Stat. § 471.9996, prohibiting local rent control except voter-approved exceptions now repealed in some bills. Mobile home lots limit to two hikes yearly with 60-day notice.
St. Paul’s Strict Stabilization Ordinance
St. Paul’s 2022 ordinance caps increases at 3% yearly for most units, requiring 60 days’ notice for 10%+ hikes (though capped) and 30 days otherwise. Exemptions cover new builds (20 years post-2022, potentially post-2004 in 2025 proposals), small landlords, and subsidized housing. Landlords seek exemptions for “reasonable return” via base-year income plus CPI adjustments, reviewed against seven factors.
Tenants access a stabilization board for disputes; violations risk fines. This balances affordability with development incentives.
Minneapolis’ Ongoing Developments
Minneapolis voters approved rent regulation authority in 2021, but no ordinance exists as of 2025, leaving hikes unregulated beyond notice rules. Council weighs policies amid high costs, with renter protections like March 2025 lease disclosures for fees, utilities, and rights. Future caps could mirror St. Paul if enacted.
Tenants benefit from anti-retaliation laws against repair requests.
Notice Requirements and Timing
Notice must be written, delivered by end of prior period (e.g., 11:59 p.m. day before rent due). It activates second period after, preventing immediate hikes. Electronic notice suffices if regularly used, per 2025 eviction updates.
For bi-monthly rent, two months’ notice applies. Non-compliance voids increases.
2025 Tenant Protections and Changes
January 2025 laws ban retaliation for code reports or tenant associations, mandate utility disclosures under Minn. Stat. §§ 216B.022-024, 504B.216, and limit late fees on subsidized units. Shared utility billing (RUBS) requires pro-rata shares, rates transparency, and bill credit deductions.
Landlords mitigate damages post-abandonment and disclose pet/SA policies. Duluth’s November 2025 right-to-repair ordinance lets tenants fix minor issues.
Landlord Responsibilities
Provide all notices timely, avoid prohibited increases during leases, and comply locally. In St. Paul, register properties and justify exemptions. Track CPI for returns; violations invite board reviews or lawsuits.
Document communications to defend claims.
Tenant Rights and Recourse
Review leases for hike clauses, document violations, and contact housing authorities or legal aid like LawHelpMN. In St. Paul, petition boards; statewide, sue for improper notice. Form associations for advocacy.
Know exemptions don’t apply universally; negotiate or relocate if needed.
Navigating Local Variations
Beyond Twin Cities, Duluth focuses repairs over rent; no statewide push for caps despite affordability needs (101,000 units short). Check city ordinances; St. Paul leads restrictions.
SOURCES:
- https://freedomrentalpropertymanagement.com/learn/real-estate-investing/minnesota-rental-law-changes-2025/
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/minnesota-rent-control-laws/
