HF3640 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Right of a prospective tenant to view rental unit established.
Related bill: SF3565
AI Generated Summary
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.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Housing Finance and Policy | |
| February 25, 2026 | House | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Adds a new provision within chapter 504B (proposed section 504B.2143) establishing the prospective tenant's right to view the dwelling, requiring the landlord to notify the tenant of this option and to allow viewing before lease execution; permits remote/electronic viewing if in-person viewing is not possible; voids waivers of this section; provides treble actual and consequential damages or $1,000 (whichever is greater) plus reasonable attorney fees for violations."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill proposes codifying a new provision in Minnesota Statutes chapter 504B establishing a prospective tenant's right to view a dwelling prior to leasing, including in-person or remote viewing, with remedies for violations.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "504B",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee