This bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes related to landlord and tenant regulations. It requires landlords to provide an alternative payment method to tenants who cannot use a digital payment platform due to physical, technological, or financial barriers. Additionally, landlords are prohibited from charging fees for using either the digital platform or the alternative payment method. If a digital payment platform is unavailable, landlords must restore access or provide an alternative promptly, and they cannot take adverse actions against tenants for late payments resulting from this unavailability. The bill also establishes that tenants have an affirmative defense against eviction if landlords violate these provisions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the treatment of victim information by prohibiting landlords from disclosing certain details about tenants, including their status as victims of violence. It emphasizes that these confidentiality requirements take precedence over any other documents signed by the tenant. Additionally, the bill limits how landlords can bill tenants for apportioned utility services, ensuring that charges do not exceed what the landlord is billed by the utility provider. The effective dates for these provisions are set for August 1, 2025, and the day following final enactment for others.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 504B.118, 504B.206, 504B.216