Eviction Law in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Evicting a tenant in Minneapolis or St. Paul can feel like an uphill battle. Whether it is unpaid rent, property damage, or a clear lease violation, landlords in the Twin Cities must work through a legal system that often prioritizes tenant protections.
But the law is still on your side—if you understand how to use it. This guide offers a straightforward breakdown of eviction rules in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. It will help you understand your rights, follow the correct process, and avoid costly errors.
When you are ready to move forward, we can even help you connect with a local eviction attorney who knows how to act fast.
What Is an Eviction?
An eviction is a legal process used to remove a tenant from your property when they fail to comply with the lease. Most commonly, it is triggered by missed rent payments or ongoing lease violations. However, eviction law in Minnesota—especially in the Twin Cities—can be complex and strict.
Importantly, not every eviction notice leads to a removal. Many landlords issue notices to serve as a final warning. If the tenant corrects the violation or pays their overdue rent, the eviction process may not continue. That is why the notice itself is often the most important step.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
When a tenant has stopped paying rent or consistently pays late, eviction may be necessary. Unlike some states, Minnesota does not require a grace period for rent payments. Once rent is late, you are allowed to act.
To protect your case, always send written notices of nonpayment and save all correspondence. This paper trail will be important if the case ends up in court, where you will need to show evidence of the tenant’s delinquency.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
Lease violations—such as unapproved occupants, property misuse, or violating no-pet rules—also provide grounds for eviction. Since the lease is a binding contract, either party’s failure to uphold its terms carries legal consequences.
Keep in mind, however, that you as the landlord must also follow the lease. Neglecting responsibilities like repairs or maintenance can weaken your case and shift liability your way.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Damage caused by daily living is expected. But if your tenant causes major or intentional damage, such as holes in the wall, broken doors, or shattered windows, you may have valid cause for removal.
If the tenant attempts repairs, that does not necessarily excuse the original damage. It is your judgment—and the law—that will determine whether the issue justifies eviction.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
Using your property for illegal purposes—such as selling drugs or harboring stolen items—can justify immediate removal. But you will need solid proof. Law enforcement reports, surveillance footage, or eyewitness accounts will all help support your claim.
Minnesota courts take illegal use of property seriously, but accusations must be backed by clear evidence to move forward.
How to Evict a Tenant in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
If you want to evict a tenant for any reason, then you need to understand the eviction process. Here’s how it works.
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Landlords in Minneapolis and St. Paul must follow Minnesota statutes, which include special rules regarding eviction. In general, no advance notice is required before filing an eviction—except for at-will tenancies, where a 14-day notice is mandatory.
Even if the court sides with the landlord, tenants still have a right to pay and stay. That means they can stop the eviction by paying what is owed—plus court costs and interest—right up until the physical eviction is enforced.
Because these rules can impact your timeline and your ability to regain the unit, it is critical to review your lease, collect documentation, and determine whether your situation qualifies under state law.
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
Although Minnesota law does not require notice in most cases, many landlords still choose to issue a written warning. This can help protect you if the case ends up in court. If your rental is an at-will agreement (not based on a lease), then you must give 14 days’ written notice before taking legal action.
Your notice should clearly outline the lease violation or nonpayment issue, what the tenant must do to resolve it, and how long they have before you proceed with eviction. Include the exact amount owed if rent is involved.
Landlords in the Twin Cities can download the Minnesota Eviction Complaint Packet online. This includes all forms and instructions needed to file the eviction in court.
Once a judgment is entered, the Hennepin County or Ramsey County Sheriff will provide the tenant 24 hours’ notice before completing the physical removal.
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
Minneapolis landlords should file in Hennepin County Housing Court, while St. Paul landlords file in Ramsey County Housing Court. These specialized courts are designed to handle eviction cases quickly and fairly.
After you file your complaint, the court will issue a summons and schedule a hearing. The tenant will be formally notified, and both sides will have an opportunity to present their case.
Be sure to act promptly. Eviction timelines move fast in Minnesota, and any delay can weaken your position.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
You should hire a Minneapolis-St. Paul eviction attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will help you prepare and organize essential documents, including:
- A copy of the lease agreement
- Proof of rent payments (or lack thereof)
- Copies of bounced checks
- All written communication with the tenant
- Copies of any notices served
- Evidence the tenant received those notices
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
If the court rules in your favor, you will receive a judgment for possession of the property. The sheriff will give the tenant 24 hours to vacate. If they do not leave voluntarily, the sheriff will return and remove them.
Do not attempt to evict the tenant yourself. Only the sheriff has the legal authority to carry out the physical eviction. Acting outside the law could jeopardize your case.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
After eviction, you may still be owed rent. Minnesota law allows you to pursue collection through several channels:
- Hiring a collections agency
- Garnishing the tenant’s wages
- Filing for a judgment in small claims court
- Garnishing state or federal tax refunds
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Evictions in the Twin Cities come with unique challenges—but you do not have to face them alone. A knowledgeable local attorney can ensure you meet legal requirements and present a strong case from start to finish.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across Minnesota state lines.
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
