Misdemeanor older than three years:
- A property manager cannot use this to deny your application.
- Property managers cannot set a minimum credit score for renters.
- They can look at your credit report, but only to see if you could pay rent.
Individual assessment
If property managers decide to use criteria that is stricter than the City guidelines, they must:
- Look at your application individually
- Let you submit more information with your application
- Consider everything you provide when they look at your application
- Give a specific reason if they deny your application
Screening and security deposit rights guide
Our guide explains the City's rules for rental screening and security deposits. The guide is available in English and Spanish.
Security deposits
Learn your rights related to security deposit limits and returns
Security deposit limit
Your security deposit cannot be more than a single month's rent.
A property owner might ask for more than one month rent up front. For example, they might ask you to pay the first and last month's rent before starting your lease.
If the property owner is asking for more than a single month’s rent up front:
- The security deposit cannot be more than 50% of a single month’s rent.
- You may choose to pay it over three months.
Security deposit return
Property owners must return:
- Your security deposit plus interest, or
- A written explanation of why they are holding all or part back
They must mail the letter within 21 days of you moving out and providing a forwarding address
For more help with security deposits:
- Contact HOME Line
- See our Guide to screening and security deposit rights
Evictions
We explain your rights as a renter if you are facing eviction.
Before filing an eviction for not paying rent
A property owner must give you notice in writing
The pre-eviction notice must list:
- What fees are due
- The timeline for paying fee
- Who you can pay
The property owner must send the notice at least 14 days before they start the eviction process
- The 14 days start the day they mail or hand deliver the notice to you.
- After 14 days, the property owner can start the eviction process if:
- You have not paid the total amount due
- You do not move from the property
There are resources for renters who are at risk of eviction:
- Legal help
- Financial help
- More rental resources
Right to a lawyer during eviction
Low-income renters in Minneapolis have the right to a lawyer in eviction cases.
Relocation
You may be able to get financial help with relocation.
Financial help with relocation
Relocation help is defined as three months' rent.
You may be able to get relocation help if:
- Need to move out of your rental unit due to code violation by the owner or manager
- The rental license of your building is revoked or cancelled by the City
- The rental license for your building is applied for but denied
- You live in Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH), your building is sold and:
- Your lease ends without cause
- You have to move due to a rent increase
- The new property owner screens you and lose your housing
Read about NOAH
Repairs and maintenance
You have a right to housing that meets minimum standards for safety and comfort.
If your unit needs repairs
Minneapolis renters have a right to housing that meets minimum standards for safety and comfort.
If your unit needs repairs:
- Contact your property owner.
- If the property owner does not respond, see Help with renter issues.
Retaliation
A property owner cannot retaliate against you for reporting an issue in your home.
Retaliation is illegal
It is illegal for a property owner to retaliate against you for reporting an issue in your home.
If you think that you have been retaliated against, you can:
Contact us
Regulatory Services
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 510 Minneapolis, MN 55415
Office hours
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
Closed on City holidays
