This bill seeks to amend various provisions of Minnesota Statutes to enhance tenant rights and landlord responsibilities in residential housing leases. Key changes include the introduction of tenant screening processes that prevent landlords from denying applications based on pending eviction actions, as well as the establishment of tenant associations and protections against discrimination based on housing assistance. The bill also clarifies existing laws regarding eviction notices, requiring them to inform tenants of their right to court-appointed counsel if they cannot afford an attorney. Additionally, it mandates that landlords cannot charge late fees unless agreed upon in writing and limits such fees to a maximum of eight percent of overdue rent.

Furthermore, the legislation strengthens protections for tenants facing domestic violence or health crises, allowing them to terminate leases without penalty under certain conditions. It introduces new remedies for tenants aggrieved by landlord violations, including the right to recover damages and attorney fees, and allows tenants to make necessary repairs and deduct costs from future rent. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe living conditions and prohibits landlords from waiving tenant rights. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable housing environment in Minnesota by reinforcing tenant protections and ensuring fair treatment in rental agreements and eviction processes.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 504B.001, 504B.101, 504B.111, 504B.115, 504B.116, 504B.118, 504B.131, 504B.141, 504B.145, 504B.151, 504B.155, 504B.161, 504B.173, 504B.175, 504B.177, 504B.178, 504B.181, 504B.185, 504B.195, 504B.204, 504B.205, 504B.231, 504B.241, 504B.245, 504B.261, 504B.265, 504B.271, 504B.275, 504B.285, 504B.315, 504B.345, 504B.365, 504B.371, 504B.385, 504B.391, 504B.395, 504B.415, 504B.421, 504B.425, 504B.431, 504B.441, 504B.451, 504B.471
1st Engrossment: 504B.001, 504B.101, 504B.111, 504B.115, 504B.116, 504B.118, 504B.131, 504B.141, 504B.145, 504B.151, 504B.161, 504B.173, 504B.175, 504B.177, 504B.178, 504B.181, 504B.185, 504B.195, 504B.204, 504B.205, 504B.231, 504B.261, 504B.265, 504B.271, 504B.285, 504B.315, 504B.391, 504B.395
2nd Engrossment: 504B.177, 504B.205, 504B.206, 504B.285, 504B.173, 504B.241, 504B.245, 504B.001, 504B.101, 504B.111, 504B.115, 504B.116, 504B.118, 504B.131, 504B.141, 504B.145, 504B.151, 504B.161, 504B.175, 504B.178, 504B.181, 504B.185, 504B.195, 504B.204, 504B.231, 504B.265, 504B.271, 504B.315, 504B.391, 504B.395