Minnesota Rent Stabilization Law

Last updated: February 2026

A comprehensive guide to rent stabilization and tenant protections in Minnesota.

Check your address to see what protections may apply.

Overview of Rent Stabilization in Minnesota

Minnesota does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization. However, Minnesota state law (Minn. Stat. § 471.9996 sub. 2) allows cities to establish their own rent stabilization policies.

Currently, only St. Paul has a rent stabilization ordinance in Minnesota:

• St. Paul – Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Chapter 193A) approved by voters in November 2021, effective January 1, 2023

Minneapolis and other Minnesota cities do not currently have rent stabilization ordinances, though discussions about rent control have occurred in some cities.

St. Paul Rent Stabilization

St. Paul's Rent Stabilization Ordinance limits residential rent increases to 3% per 12-month period, with exceptions available for landlords who can demonstrate a need for a reasonable return on investment.

Feature	Details
Rent Cap	3% per 12-month period (standard)
Exceptions	Self-Certification (3%-8%), Just Cause Vacancy (CPI + 8%), Staff Determination (no limit with justification)
Exemptions	Properties built after December 31, 2004; government units; hotels/motels; religious facilities; hospitals/nursing homes
Enforcement	Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI)
Effective Date	January 1, 2023

Read Full St. Paul Guide →

Statewide Tenant Protections

While Minnesota does not have statewide rent control, all Minnesota tenants have certain protections under state law:

• Reasonable notice – Landlords must provide reasonable notice before raising rent (specific notice periods may vary)
• Habitability requirements – Landlords must maintain habitable living conditions
• Security deposit protections – State law regulates security deposit handling and return
• Eviction protections – Landlords must follow proper legal procedures for eviction

For detailed information about statewide tenant rights, see the Minnesota Attorney General's Landlord and Tenant Handbook.

Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, does not currently have a rent stabilization ordinance. There have been discussions and studies about rent control in Minneapolis, but no ordinance has been enacted.

Other major Minnesota cities, including Rochester, Duluth, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, St. Cloud, Eagan, and Woodbury, also do not have rent stabilization ordinances.

Resources

• St. Paul Rent Stabilization Website – Official city information
• St. Paul Rent Stabilization Guide – Detailed guide to St. Paul's ordinance
• Minnesota Attorney General - Landlord and Tenant Handbook – Statewide tenant rights
• LawHelpMN – Legal resources for Minnesota tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Minnesota have statewide rent control?

No. Minnesota does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization. However, state law allows cities to establish their own rent stabilization policies.

Which cities in Minnesota have rent stabilization?

Currently, only St. Paul has a rent stabilization ordinance. Minneapolis and other Minnesota cities do not have rent stabilization.

What is St. Paul's rent cap?

St. Paul's standard rent increase cap is 3% per 12-month period. Landlords can request exceptions for higher increases.

Are there any statewide tenant protections in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota state law provides protections including reasonable notice requirements, habitability standards, security deposit regulations, and proper eviction procedures. However, there is no statewide rent control.

Could other cities in Minnesota adopt rent stabilization?

Yes. Under Minn. Stat. § 471.9996 sub. 2, cities in Minnesota have the authority to establish rent stabilization policies. However, as of 2026, only St. Paul has done so.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about rent stabilization in Minnesota and is not legal advice. For specific questions about your situation, contact the appropriate city agency or consult with a qualified attorney.