This bill addresses housing regulations in Minnesota by prohibiting landlords from listing minors as defendants in eviction actions, with specific exceptions. It establishes that a residential landlord cannot include a minor child of a tenant in an eviction complaint unless the minor is the sole renter. Additionally, any lease provisions that attempt to waive this prohibition are deemed void and contrary to public policy. Tenants are entitled to recover damages from landlords for violations of this section, with a minimum recovery amount set at $300. This new provision will take effect on August 1, 2026, and will apply to eviction actions filed after that date.

The bill also modifies the expedited eviction process outlined in Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 504B.321, subdivision 2. It expands the criteria for expedited hearings to include instances of assault against landlords or their employees, as well as intentional property damage. The bill increases the civil penalty for filing an expedited hearing without sufficient basis from $500 to $750. Furthermore, it clarifies that only allegations related to the expedited procedure can be considered during such hearings, and these cannot be consolidated with other claims. This amendment will also take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to eviction actions filed thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 504B.321
1st Engrossment: 504B.321