Tenant Rights in Bloomington, Minnesota

Last updated: April 2026

Bloomington renters are protected by Minnesota state law under Minn. Stat. Chapter 504B, which covers security deposits, habitability, and eviction procedures. There is no local rent control in Bloomington.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: No — Bloomington has no rent stabilization ordinance. Only Minneapolis and St. Paul have enacted rent stabilization in Minnesota.
Security Deposit: Landlords must return your deposit within 21 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Bad-faith withholding can result in up to $500 plus double damages (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178).
Notice to Vacate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least one full rental period of written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy.
Just Cause Eviction: Minnesota does not require just cause for non-renewal of a lease. Landlords must go through the court eviction process; self-help eviction is prohibited (Minn. Stat. § 504B.225).
Local Resources: HOME Line (homelinemn.org), Legal Aid Twin Cities (legalaidtc.org), Bloomington Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Bloomington

Bloomington is a major suburb in Hennepin County, south of Minneapolis and home to the Mall of America and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Residential rentals are governed by Minnesota state landlord-tenant law under Minn. Stat. Chapter 504B. The city has no local rent control, no just-cause eviction ordinance, and no additional tenant protection laws beyond what the state provides. Only Minneapolis and St. Paul have enacted rent stabilization in Minnesota — Bloomington is state-law only.

Minnesota's landlord-tenant statute provides meaningful protections: a 21-day deposit return window, habitability standards backed by rent escrow remedies, and a prohibition on self-help evictions. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated have access to resources including HOME Line's free tenant hotline and Legal Aid Twin Cities.

2. Does Bloomington Have Rent Control?

Bloomington has no rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. Unlike Minneapolis and St. Paul — which have each enacted 3% annual rent increase caps — Bloomington is governed solely by state law, which imposes no limits on how much a landlord may raise rent. A landlord may increase rent by any amount, provided they give proper written notice before the new rent takes effect.

For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least one full rental period of written notice before a new rent amount or tenancy termination takes effect. A fixed-term lease generally cannot be increased until it expires, unless the lease itself allows for it.

3. Minnesota State Tenant Protections That Apply in Bloomington

Minnesota's Minn. Stat. Chapter 504B provides Bloomington renters with the following baseline protections:

Habitability: Landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition — working heat, plumbing, electrical systems, and weatherproofing. If your landlord fails to make required repairs after written notice, you may petition the court for rent escrow under Minn. Stat. § 504B.385.
Anti-Retaliation: Your landlord cannot raise your rent, reduce services, or threaten eviction because you reported a code violation, contacted a housing inspector, or exercised any other legal right (Minn. Stat. § 504B.441).
Lockout Prohibition: Self-help evictions are illegal in Minnesota. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out. They must obtain a court judgment through the unlawful detainer process (Minn. Stat. § 504B.225).
Right to Privacy: Landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Bloomington

Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, your landlord must return your security deposit — along with a written itemized statement of any deductions — within 21 days after you move out and return the keys. If you provide a forwarding address in writing, the clock starts when the landlord receives it.

If your landlord withholds any portion of your deposit in bad faith, you are entitled to recover the wrongfully withheld amount plus a penalty of up to $500, plus double the amount wrongfully withheld, and attorney's fees. Minnesota law also requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits held for a year or more. Document the condition of your unit thoroughly at move-in and move-out with photos and written notes.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Bloomington

In Bloomington, a landlord must follow Minnesota's court-based eviction process (unlawful detainer) to remove a tenant. The general process is:

Written Notice: The landlord must provide written notice of the lease violation or nonpayment of rent before filing in court.
Filing an Eviction (Unlawful Detainer): The landlord files a complaint in Hennepin County District Court. You will receive a summons with a hearing date.
Court Hearing: You have the right to appear and present a defense. Common defenses include improper notice, retaliation, or the landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions.
Writ of Recovery: Only after a court judgment and a writ of recovery may a sheriff remove a tenant from the premises.

Self-help eviction — including changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities — is prohibited under Minn. Stat. § 504B.225 and may entitle you to damages. If you receive an eviction notice, contact HOME Line or Legal Aid Twin Cities immediately.

6. Resources for Bloomington Tenants

HOME Line — Free tenant hotline and legal resources for Minnesota renters statewide; call (612) 728-5767.
Legal Aid Twin Cities — Free civil legal services for low-income residents of the Twin Cities metro, including Hennepin County eviction defense.
Minnesota AG Landlord-Tenant Handbook — Official state guide explaining tenant and landlord rights under Minnesota law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bloomington, Minnesota have rent control?

No. Bloomington has no rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. Only Minneapolis and St. Paul have enacted rent stabilization in Minnesota. Bloomington landlords may raise rent by any amount, provided they give proper written notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Bloomington, Minnesota?

There is no limit on rent increases in Bloomington. Minnesota state law does not cap rent increases outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul. For month-to-month tenancies, your landlord must give at least one full rental period of written notice before a rent increase takes effect.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Bloomington, Minnesota?

Your landlord must return your security deposit within 21 days of your move-out date, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178). Bad-faith withholding can result in a penalty of up to $500 plus double the wrongfully withheld amount. Provide your forwarding address in writing to start the clock.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Bloomington, Minnesota?

Your landlord must provide written notice of the basis for eviction and then file an unlawful detainer action in Hennepin County District Court. The required notice period depends on the reason. Self-help eviction — changing locks or shutting off utilities — is illegal under Minn. Stat. § 504B.225.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Bloomington, Minnesota?

No. Self-help eviction is prohibited in Minnesota under Minn. Stat. § 504B.225. Your landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off heat, water, or electricity to force you out. If this happens, contact HOME Line or Legal Aid Twin Cities immediately.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Bloomington, Minnesota?

Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. If your landlord fails to make required repairs within a reasonable time, you may petition the court for rent escrow under Minn. Stat. § 504B.385. You can also file a housing code complaint with the City of Bloomington. Contact HOME Line for guidance on your specific situation.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Bloomington and is not legal advice. Laws change; verify current rules with a local attorney or legal aid organization before acting.

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