SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, the Minnesota House Housing Committee passed a package on tenant protections authored by Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (DFL - St. Paul). Minnesota has not updated its tenant protection laws in decades and Rep. Her is optimistic this is the session lawmakers can pass this much-needed legislation.
“These bills ensure Minnesotans can maintain their rights to safe, secure, and affordable housing. They are not about assigning who is ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ but are to recognize in Minnesota, the balance of power tilts heavily towards the landlord,” said. Rep. Her. “Minnesota renters and their families deserve protections and a level playing field and that requires updating these laws.”
The package prohibits non-refundable fees for non-optional services, incorporates administrative costs into tenants’ rent, requires a minimum 24-hour notice for landlord entrance (outside of an emergency), allows renters with certified medical conditions, illnesses, or disabilities to end a lease within two months, creates a statewide minimum heat code, updates what is covered for an emergency court filing and lowers court filing fees, and more. HF 315, HF 316, and HF 445 now head to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. Additionally, HF 317, will be heard in the House Housing Committee on Tuesday.
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