Minnesota Landlord Required Disclosures
Required Disclosures compliance guide for Minnesota, Usa. Covers landlord-tenant regulations, requirements, and legal obligations.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Minnesota Landlord Required Disclosures
Minnesota law requires residential landlords to make several important disclosures to tenants, both before and at the start of the tenancy. The primary governing law is Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B (recodified and effective 1 July 1999). The 2024 reforms added significant new transparency requirements, particularly around non-optional fees.
Official Law Citation: Minnesota Statutes § 504B.181 and § 504B.120 dictate required fee and identity disclosures for residential landlords.
1. Identity of the Landlord or Authorized Agent
Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.181, there shall be disclosed to the residential tenant either in the rental agreement or otherwise in writing prior to commencement of the tenancy the name and address of:
- The person authorized to manage the premises.
- The landlord of the premises or an agent authorized by the landlord to accept service of process and receive and give receipt for notices and demands.
2. Fee Transparency (Effective January 2024)
One of the most impactful 2024 changes (under Minn. Stat. § 504B.120): landlords must now disclose all non-optional fees in both the lease agreement and in all rental advertisements (online listings, signs, flyers, etc.).
The sum total of rent and all nonoptional fees must be described as the Total Monthly Payment and be listed on the first page of the lease. A unit advertised for a residential tenancy must disclose the nonoptional fees included with the total amount for rent in any advertisement or posting. In a lease agreement disclosure or unit advertisement, the landlord must disclose whether utilities are included or not included in the rent.
The purpose is to prevent "drip pricing," where the advertised rent appears low but the actual cost is significantly higher after mandatory fees are added.
3. Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
For all properties built before 1978, landlords must comply with the federal lead-based paint disclosure rule:
- Disclose known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.
- Provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home."
- Include a specific lead warning statement in the lease, signed by both parties.
4. Outstanding Inspection Orders, Condemnation Orders, or Declarations
Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.195, before signing a lease, a landlord must disclose to the prospective tenant:
- Any outstanding inspection orders from the city or county regarding health or safety violations.
- Any condemnation orders.
- Any declarations of the property being unfit for human habitation.
Failure to disclose these conditions means the tenant has no obligation to move in, and can void the lease entirely.
5. Utility Billing Arrangements
If utilities are shared or billed in a non-standard way (e.g., RUBS-Ratio Utility Billing System), the landlord must disclose the method of allocation. Recent amendments under Chapters 216B and 504B added further requirements for utility disclosure, effective January 2025.
6. Tenant's Right to Know About Building Code Violations
The landlord must inform tenants about any known building code violations that could affect the tenant's health or safety. This is closely tied to the expanded habitability protections taking effect in 2024.
Best Practices for Minnesota Landlords
- Audit All Your Listings: Ensure every rental advertisement (Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist, your website) prominently discloses all non-optional fees. A single non-compliant listing can trigger an AG investigation.
- Use a Disclosure Checklist: Create a standardized disclosure package that covers lead paint, landlord identity, outstanding orders, and fee schedules, and have every tenant sign it before move-in.
How Landager Helps
Landager tracks lease terms, important legal deadlines, and rent collection - making it easy to stay compliant with Minnesota regulations.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must Minnesota landlords provide to tenants?
Minnesota landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the Minnesota landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Minnesota's residential landlord-tenant relationships are governed primarily by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B. This handle statute underwent sweeping reforms effective January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, significantly strengthening tenant protections around eviction procedures, right to privacy, fee transparency, and habitability standards. Understanding these changes is critical for every Minnesota landlord. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Minnesota eviction process and how long does it take?
The Minnesota eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Minnesota. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Minnesota security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Minnesota has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Minnesota rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Minnesota has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Minnesota has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Minnesota?
Minnesota has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Minnesota state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Minnesota lease requirements for rental properties?
Minnesota recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Minnesota law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Minnesota landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Minnesota landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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