What Is a Minnesota Lease Agreement?
A Minnesota lease agreement is a legally binding contract between the tenant and landlord. The terms outline each party’s obligations and ensure compliance with state laws. Creating an effective lease protects both landlords and tenants.
Use Legal Templates’s free Minnesota lease agreement template to customize your contract. Our forms provide the necessary terms and sections according to Minnesota law.
Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview
Minnesota’s landlord-tenant laws determine the terms and limits for a lease. Understanding these regulations helps you to create a valid contract. View the table below for an overview of the most relevant lease laws.
| Topic | Rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Rent payments | No state laws | N/A |
| Security deposits | No limits, but landlords must provide a receipt | MN Stat § 504B.181 |
| Grace periods | No state laws, but should be included in the lease | N/A |
| Late fees | No more than 8% of monthly rent | MN Stat § 504B.177 |
| Landlord entry | 24 hour notice required. Entry should be between 8 am to 8 pm | MN Stat § 504B.211 |
Minnesota Lease Agreements- By Type
Minnesota leases vary depending on the intended use and the duration. Evaluate the following types of Minnesota leases to determine which one best suits your situation.
Minnesota Standard Lease Agreement
Use to form a rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant for residential property.
Minnesota Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Offers residents the chance to enjoy flexible month-to-month living arrangements, free from the obligation of a long-term commitment.
Minnesota Commercial Lease Agreement
Creates a landlord-tenant relationship for the lease of a commercial property.
Minnesota Room Rental Agreement
Establish a structured living arrangement by creating a legally binding agreement involving the primary occupant and other cohabitants.
Minnesota Sublease Agreement
Creates an official arrangement between the primary tenant (sublessor) and the sublessee, allowing the latter to temporarily inhabit the rental property with the clear approval of the landlord.
Minnesota Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Enables a tenant to lease a property and receive the option to buy it when the rental period ends.
Security Deposit Regulations in Minnesota
Minnesota laws don’t limit security deposits, meaning landlords can charge any amount. However, some courts may challenge unreasonable charges. According to state laws, the landlord must provide a security deposit receipt and hold the deposit in an account earning 1% annual simple non-compounded interest.
At the end of the lease, the deposit must be returned to the tenant within three weeks of their move-out, along with any earned interest. A landlord may deduct funds from the security deposit to cover damages. Each deduction must be documented and reported to the tenant.
Minnesota Rent Payment Laws
In Minnesota, the lease should include information about the due date for rent payments. Additionally, any provided grace periods and late fees must be clearly stated in the contract. Late fees must not exceed 8% of the monthly rent, but there are no other laws regarding rent control.
Landlord Entry and Property Repairs In Minnesota
If a landlord needs to enter the property, they must provide a 24-hour notice to enter. They should also plan to enter between the hours of 8 AM and 8 PM unless the lease allows for entry at another time. In the case of an emergency or unlawful activity, no notice is required.
Minnesota law requires landlords to make repairs within 14 days of receiving a written notice from the tenant. If a landlord fails to resolve the issue, tenants may bring action against the landlord, and the court may order the tenant to fix the violation and deduct the cost from the rent, or it may order the landlord to remedy the issue. The tenant must initiate the process by depositing rent with the court administrator for neglected repairs prior to the hearing.
Minnesota Required Lease Disclosures
Disclosures improve the transparency and fairness of a lease by communicating important information. In Minnesota, landlords must provide the following lease disclosures:
- Landlord and Agent Identification
- Notice of Foreclosure
- Covenant of Landlord and Tenant Not to Allow Unlawful Activities
- Outstanding Inspection Orders
- Lead-Paint Disclosure for buildings constructed before 1978
Terminating a Minnesota Lease
When either party wants to end a lease, they must follow the proper termination procedures. Minnesota requires landlords to give one month’s notice for month-to-month agreements. If the tenant abandons property on the premises, the landlord must keep it for 28 days and can sell it after that period. The profits from the sale of personal property can be used to cover damages, and any remaining profits must be given to the tenant at their request.
Minnesota Lease Agreement Sample
View Legal Templates’s free Minnesota lease agreement sample below to see the proper formatting and terms. Our customizable form provides state-specific information and is available for download in both PDF and Word formats.
