The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 504B.161, subdivision 1, to clarify certain requirements for landlords in residential leases or licenses. It specifies that landlords must ensure that the premises and common areas are fit for their intended use, maintain them in reasonable repair, and comply with applicable health and safety laws. Additionally, landlords are required to make the premises energy efficient when cost-effective and to provide adequate heating during the winter months, specifically maintaining a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in habitable areas from October 1 to April 30.

A significant insertion in the bill clarifies that the heating requirement does not apply to areas such as garages, crawl spaces, porches, or other spaces not designed for continuous human habitation. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that the covenants outlined cannot be waived or modified by the parties involved in the lease or license, reinforcing the protections for tenants regarding the maintenance and safety of their living conditions.