HF3640

Purpose

Establishes a right for a prospective tenant to view a rental dwelling before signing a lease, including options for in-person or remote/electronic viewing, and requires landlords to notify and accommodate this right.

Main Provisions

• Landlord must notify the prospective tenant of the option to view the dwelling that the landlord intends to rent.
• At the prospective tenant’s request, the landlord must allow the prospective tenant to visit the dwelling before leasing.
• If the prospective tenant cannot visit in person, the landlord must allow remote and electronic viewing of the dwelling before leasing.
• Any agreement waiving this right is void as contrary to public policy.
• If a landlord violates this section, the tenant may recover treble actual damages and consequential damages or $1,000, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new statutory provision (in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 504B) that grants a prospective tenant a right to view a dwelling before leasing.
• Establishes a clear remedy framework, including treble damages and attorney fees, for violations.
• Prohibits waivers of the viewing right, reinforcing tenant protections and public policy.

Practical Implications

• Landlords must inform and accommodate prospective tenants’ viewing requests, including enabling remote viewing if an in-person visit isn’t possible.
• Tenants have a strong legal remedy (treble damages and fees) if this right is not respected.

Relevant Terms prospective tenant; view the dwelling; right to view; landlord; rental unit; before leasing; in person; remote viewing; electronically view; public policy; waivers; treble damages; actual damages; consequential damages; attorney fees; Minnesota Statutes; chapter 504B; violation; notice.