HF3424

Purpose

• Update eviction procedures for nonpayment of rent by requiring a detailed written notice before a landlord can file an eviction action.

Key Provisions

• Before filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent or other unpaid amounts due, a landlord must provide the tenant with a written notice that includes:
  • The total amount due.
  • An itemized accounting of the amount from unpaid rent, late fees, and other charges.
  • The name and address of the person authorized to receive rent and fees for the landlord.
  • A statement informing the tenant of the right to seek legal help, with guidance to contact Legal Aid or visit LawHelpMN.org.
  • A statement directing the tenant on how to apply for financial assistance (local county or Tribal social services, MNBenefits.mn.gov, and the 211 or 800-543-7709 information line).
  • A statement that the landlord can file an eviction case if the tenant does not pay the total amount due or move out within 14 days from the notice date (local governments may require a longer notice period).
  • The notice must specify that the landlord or their agent delivered the notice to the tenant at the leased premises either in person or by first-class mail.
• If the tenant fails to cure the rent delinquency within 14–30 days after delivery or mailing of the notice (or within a longer period required by local rules), or fails to vacate, the landlord may file an eviction action based on nonpayment of rent.

Delivery and Timing

• Notice must be delivered personally or by first-class mail to the residential tenant at the leased address.
• The standard remedy window is 14 days, with local governments potentially imposing longer periods.

Significance and Changes to Law

• Establishes a formal, informational, and time-bound notice requirement before eviction actions for nonpayment.
• Integrates legal aid and financial assistance resources directly into eviction notices.
• Aligns eviction notice content with tenant rights and access to support services, while preserving landlord remedies after the specified notice period.
• Clarifies that local government rules may extend the notice period beyond 14 days.

Practical Considerations

• Tenants gain clearer visibility into amounts owed and available support, potentially reducing abrupt evictions.
• Landlords take on an additional notice requirement and documentation burden, with specific delivery methods and content.
• Local jurisdictions may adjust the notice period, so stakeholders should review applicable local rules.

Terminology and Concepts from the Bill

• residential tenant, landlord, eviction action, nonpayment of rent, total amount due, unpaid rent, late fees, other charges, rent and fees recipient, legal help, Legal Aid, LawHelpMN.org, financial help, MNBenefits.mn.gov, 211, 800-543-7709, notice, written notice, first-class mail, personally delivered, rent delinquency, local government rule, eviction timeline.

Potential Impacts

• Greater transparency for tenants facing nonpayment issues.
• Potentially longer lead time before eviction filings, dependent on local rules.
• Increased compliance requirements for landlords.

Relevant Terms - residential tenant - landlord - eviction action - nonpayment of rent - total amount due - unpaid rent - late fees - other charges - name and address of rent recipient - You have the right to seek legal help - Legal Aid - LawHelpMN.org - financial help - MNBenefits.mn.gov - 211 - 800-543-7709 - written notice - notice period - 14 days - local government rule - personally delivered - first-class mail - rent delinquency - eviction timeline