Minnesota rent increase law

Minnesota law sets no general notice period for a rent increase. If the lease gives the landlord a notice period for a rent increase or a notice to quit that differs from the notice the tenant must give, your notice may not be shorter than the tenant's, and the tenant may give notice of leaving using either period. These rules cannot be waived.

Minn. Stat. § 504B.147

• A notice to quit here includes a notice that the lease will not be renewed. Minn. Stat. § 504B.147, subd. 1
• A rent increase or service cut meant as a penalty for a tenant's lawful acts is a defense to an eviction for nonpayment, and the retaliation rules apply. Minn. Stat. § 504B.285, subd. 3 Minn. Stat. § 504B.441
• A city, county or town may control rents only through a measure approved in a general election. Minn. Stat. § 471.9996

State law bars a city, county or town from controlling rents on private residential property unless the measure is approved by voters in a general election. Selected Saint Paul city guidance is summarized below; other local ordinances and the complete city rules were not reviewed.

Minn. Stat. § 471.9996

• A city may still manage property it has a financial interest in, contract with an owner, act under federal or state law, and mediate rent negotiations. Minn. Stat. § 471.9996, subd. 1
• A city license or registration posted in a multiunit rental building must say tenants may contact the Attorney General about their rights. Minn. Stat. § 471.9995
• Saint Paul has a local rent-stabilization program that generally limits increases to 3% in a 12-month period. The City describes exemptions and separate exception procedures, including requests based on a reasonable return and qualifying vacancies. Do not apply the headline percentage to every property or assume a larger increase is automatically allowed. Before setting rent, confirm the unit's coverage and the current City process, keep the rent history and any determination, and give the required notice. The City also provides complaint and appeal information. City of Saint Paul: Rent Stabilization summary

It is a defense to an eviction after a notice to quit that you ended the tenancy, even in part, to penalize the tenant for a good faith attempt to enforce their rights or a good faith report of a code violation to a government authority. If the notice came within 90 days after that act, you must prove it was not retaliatory.

Minn. Stat. § 504B.285, subd. 2

• You may not evict, increase the tenant's obligations or reduce services to penalize a complaint of a violation; within 90 days after the complaint you carry the burden of proof. Minn. Stat. § 504B.441
• You may not raise rent, cut services, change the lease, sue, contact law enforcement about immigration status or seek possession in retaliation for reporting code violations to officials, community groups or the media, asking for repairs, joining a tenant association or testifying about the home's condition. Bad faith violations cost up to $1,000 per occurrence plus attorney's fees. Minn. Stat. § 504B.212, subd. 2 Minn. Stat. § 504B.212, subd. 3
• You may not limit or penalize a tenant's calls for police or emergency help, including for a health or mental health crisis; the tenant may recover $250 or actual damages, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees. Minn. Stat. § 504B.205, subd. 2 Minn. Stat. § 504B.205, subd. 5
• Tenants may organize, leaflet, meet in a space at the building and contact other tenants, and you may not require permission first. Minn. Stat. § 504B.212, subd. 1