The proposed bill seeks to strengthen tenant protections in Minnesota by establishing a right to counsel in public housing eviction cases, prohibiting nonrefundable fees imposed by landlords, and regulating landlord access to rental units. It amends existing laws to require landlords to maintain properties in good repair and provide adequate heating, while also allowing tenants to request emergency repairs through the court. Additionally, the bill mandates that landlords notify tenants of the grounds for eviction prior to legal action and prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to declaw or devocalize pets. Civil penalties for violations are introduced, and eligibility for expungements of eviction records is expanded.

Key amendments include the requirement for landlords to inform tenants of their right to inspect rental units at the start and end of their tenancy, along with establishing damages for noncompliance. The bill also modifies laws regarding tenancy termination and early lease renewals to ensure tenants receive adequate notice. Effective August 1, 2023, the bill introduces a waiver clause that invalidates any lease provision waiving tenant rights, increases penalties for landlord violations, and requires landlords to provide written notice detailing the eviction basis and amount owed before initiating eviction actions. Overall, the bill aims to create a fairer and more transparent eviction process while enhancing tenant rights in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 504B.001, 504B.285, 504B.291, 504B.321, 504B.331, 504B.335, 504B.345, 504B.361, 504B.365, 504B.371, 504B.341
1st Engrossment: 363A.03, 363A.09, 363A.21, 484.014, 504B.135, 504B.161, 504B.171, 504B.172, 504B.178, 504B.211, 504B.285, 504B.291, 504B.321, 504B.331, 504B.335, 504B.345, 504B.361, 504B.371, 504B.375, 504B.381
2nd Engrossment: 484.014, 504B.135, 504B.161, 504B.171, 504B.172, 504B.178, 504B.211, 504B.285, 504B.291, 504B.321, 504B.331, 504B.335, 504B.345, 504B.361, 504B.371, 504B.375, 504B.381
2nd Engrossment: 484.014, 504B.135, 504B.161, 504B.171, 504B.172, 504B.178, 504B.211, 504B.285, 504B.291, 504B.321, 504B.331, 504B.335, 504B.345, 504B.361, 504B.371, 504B.375, 504B.381
1st Engrossment: 363A.03, 363A.09, 363A.21, 484.014, 504B.135, 504B.161, 504B.171, 504B.172, 504B.178, 504B.211, 504B.285, 504B.291, 504B.321, 504B.331, 504B.335, 504B.345, 504B.361, 504B.371, 504B.375, 504B.381