The bill amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes to clarify landlord and tenant provisions, particularly regarding lease renewals, late fees, and service of summons and complaints. Notably, it changes the requirement for landlords to wait six months from the execution of a lease before asking tenants to renew, instead of waiting until the expiration. Additionally, it introduces a provision that allows landlords who have entered into housing assistance payments contracts to calculate late fees only on the portion of rent payable by the tenant.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the service of summons and complaint procedures, allowing for more flexibility in how these documents can be served if a defendant cannot be found. It specifies that if a defendant is not located in the county, service can be made by posting the summons on the property after certain conditions are met, including attempts to serve the defendant at their residence. The bill also updates the process for issuing judgments in eviction cases, ensuring that the court prioritizes cases involving nuisances or threats to safety. Overall, these changes aim to enhance clarity and fairness in landlord-tenant relationships.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 504B.177
1st Engrossment: 504B.177