This bill establishes a statewide landlord database in Minnesota, requiring landlords to register and provide specific information about their rental properties. The database, which will be maintained by the commissioner of the Housing Finance Agency, must be publicly accessible at no cost and allow tenants to report landlords or rental units that cannot be found. Landlords are mandated to submit detailed information about their properties, including ownership details, rental prices, and licensing information, both before renting a unit and annually thereafter. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in civil penalties.

Additionally, the bill outlines civil remedies for tenants who are unable to locate their landlords in the database. Tenants can notify the agency, which will then inform the landlord of their obligations. If the landlord fails to comply within the specified timeframe, tenants may pursue civil action for damages and seek penalties of up to $5,000 for repeated violations. The attorney general is also granted enforcement authority under existing laws, allowing for further penalties against non-compliant landlords. The provisions of this bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will apply to actions accruing from that date forward.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 8.31