Minnesota Eviction Notice Form

• Rent Grace Period: None.
• Non-Payment of Rent: 14 days.^[1]
• Illegal Activity: Terms of Covenant.^[2]
• Substantial Damage to Property: Unlawful Destruction; Damages.^[3]
• Termination (Month-to-Month Lease): One payment interval or three months’ notice, whichever is less.^[4]
• Filing an Eviction: Landlord and Tenant.^[5]

Utility Shutoff – A landlord who unlawfully shuts off a tenant’s utility services is liable for up to $500 in damages and attorney’s fees.^[6]

Changing the Locks – Unlawful exclusion or removal of a residential tenant includes “the removal of doors, windows, or locks.”^[7]

Eviction Action Complaint (Form HOU102) – A landlord must fill out and file this form to start an eviction action against a tenant.

Eviction Action Answer (Form HOU202) – To contest an eviction action, a tenant will need to file an answer within the allotted time frame.

Writ of Recovery of Premises and Order to Vacate – If the landlord prevails against the tenant in court but the tenant refuses to vacate the landlord’s property, the landlord will need to obtain this form to request that the sheriff physically remove the tenant.

The landlord must first notify the tenant of the landlord’s intention to seek eviction by providing a notice:

• 14-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Payment of Rent)
• 30-Day Notice to Quit (Month to Month)

If the tenant fails to respond satisfactorily and continues to live on the premises, the landlord may go to the Local District Court (in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, housing court) and obtain a Summons and Complaint (Form HOU102). Fill the forms out as directed, pay the required fee of $285,^[8] and make a copy for each tenant. The court will provide a hearing date.

• View the Instructions on Completing the Complaint Form

Obtain the services of a process server to serve the Summons and Complaint on the tenant at least seven days before the hearing date.^[9] The tenant will have the right to defend themselves and file the Answer (Form HOU202) before the trial date.

The landlord must file evidence of service of the tenant(s) at least three days before the hearing.

If the landlord obtains a judgment in his or her favor, the tenant must vacate. If the tenant fails to vacate, the landlord may apply for a Writ of Recovery of Premises and Order to Vacate to have a sheriff move the tenant out.