Minnesota’s rental landscape in 2025 remains dynamic, with evolving local ordinances and strengthened tenant protections. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what tenants need to know about rent increases across the state.
No Statewide Rent Control, but Local Rules Apply
- Minnesota does not have statewide rent control. Landlords outside of cities with local ordinances can raise rent by any amount, provided they follow proper notice requirements and do not act for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
- Minneapolis and St. Paul are exceptions, with St. Paul maintaining a rent stabilization ordinance and Minneapolis considering future rent control policies.
Rent Increase Limits and Local Ordinances
| Location | Rent Cap/Limit | Effective Date | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | No cap | N/A | No limit on amount, but notice required |
| Minneapolis | No cap (as of 2025) | N/A | No rent control enacted yet; new disclosure and eviction notice rules |
| St. Paul | 3% per year | Since 2022 | Annual cap, with exemptions for new construction and possible further changes in 2025 |
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
- For increases under 10%: Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect.
- For increases of 10% or more: 60 days’ written notice is required.
- Mobile home parks: Landlords must give 60 days’ notice and may only raise rent twice per year.
- Lease agreements: Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows it.
- Month-to-month leases: Generally require at least 30 days’ notice before a rent increase.
When Rent Increases Are Illegal
- Discrimination: Rent cannot be increased based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected classes under the Fair Housing Act.
- Retaliation: Landlords may not raise rent in response to tenants exercising legal rights, such as reporting code violations or requesting repairs.
- Improper notice: If the required notice is not provided, the rent increase may be invalid.
Recent Tenant Protections (2025 Updates)
- Anti-retaliation: Landlords are now explicitly prohibited from retaliating against tenants who report code violations or request repairs.
- Tenant associations: Tenants have the legal right to form associations to organize and advocate for better living conditions.
- Disclosure requirements (Minneapolis): As of March 1, 2025, Minneapolis landlords must provide detailed property information before lease signing and within 90 days of lease commencement.
- Pre-eviction notice (Minneapolis): Landlords must give a 30-day notice before filing for eviction due to nonpayment of rent, extending the previous 14-day state requirement.
Special Considerations for Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Minneapolis: No rent control is in effect as of 2025, but the city has implemented new disclosure and eviction notice requirements to enhance tenant protections.
- St. Paul: The city’s rent stabilization ordinance caps annual rent increases at 3%, with exemptions for new construction and ongoing policy adjustments.
Practical Tips for Tenants
- Check your lease: Review your rental agreement for any clauses about rent increases.
- Monitor local ordinances: City-specific rules may offer additional protections or impose limits.
- Document communications: Keep written records of all notices and correspondence with your landlord.
- Seek legal help: If you suspect an illegal rent increase or retaliation, contact local tenant advocacy groups or legal aid.
Summary Table: Minnesota Rent Increase Laws (2025)
| Rule/Requirement | Statewide | Minneapolis | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent cap | None | None | 3% per year |
| Notice for <10% increase | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Notice for ≥10% increase | 60 days | 60 days | 60 days |
| Retaliation/discrimination ban | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New tenant protections (2025) | Yes | Enhanced | Yes |
Staying informed about both state and local regulations is crucial. While Minnesota does not impose statewide rent caps, cities like St. Paul offer significant protections, and new laws in 2025 further strengthen tenant rights across the state.
Sources:
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/minnesota-rent-control-laws/
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/minnesota-rent-control-laws
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-minnesota
- https://www.roachlawmn.com/blog/new-2025-minneapolis-rental-ordinances-what-landlords-need-to-know
- https://homelinemn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Minnesota-Tenant-Bill-of-Rights_2024_11-08.pdf
