On May 24, 2024, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz approved MN SF 3492, the most comprehensive state-level renters’ rights legislation since the White House announced its Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights in January 2023.
Aspects of Minnesota’s new law reflect growing trends in state and local policy that the National Apartment Association (NAA) has observed throughout the year. MN SF 3492:
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Prohibits housing providers from retaliating against residents because of emergency service calls;
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Mandates that housing providers cannot deny applications solely because the applicant provided an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, (ITIN) which works to prevent unlawful discrimination based on immigration status;
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Provides for renters’ right to organize and establish tenant associations, and makes clear housing providers cannot interfere with specified protected activities;
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Adds to scenarios that require courts to mandatorily expunge evictions further limiting housing providers’ access to public information to make informed housing decisions (Effective 6/23/2024);
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Makes changes to service of process for evictions in the state;
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Clarifies the scope of renters with access to court appointed counsel in eviction cases; and
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Further regulates fees, limiting late fees assessed on renters in subsidized housing and emphasizing renters living with service or support animals cannot be assessed pet fees. This follows extensive fee limitations passed in 2023.
While well-intended, several provisions would be detrimental to effective property management operations and ultimately increase the cost of rental housing in the state. The law implements new requirements for housing providers relating to new construction projects that become unavailable for occupancy by the move-in date established in leases. Housing providers would be subject to notice requirements and be required to provide alternative housing, refunds or termination of lease without penalty to affected renters.
The law also includes requirements related to domestic violence survivors, such as renters’ right to early termination of lease without penalty. This applies to residents that assert protections as survivors of domestic violence and becomes effective 6/23/2024. This law will take effect on January 1, 2025, except where specifically identified.
NAA continues to support its affiliate partners with their state and local advocacy to protect the industry from onerous policies. At the same time, NAA continues our federal advocacy to address the practical challenges for the industry arising from the White House Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights.
To learn more, please contact Joe Riter, NAA’s Senior Manager, Public Policy.