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St. Paul is Minnesota's capital city and the second-largest city in the state, with roughly 311,000 residents in Ramsey County. Renters make up approximately half of all households in St. Paul, and the city's rental market ranges from historic rowhouses on Summit Avenue to large apartment complexes in the Midway and Frogtown neighborhoods. Tenants in St. Paul frequently search for information about rent increases, security deposit returns, and the eviction process — all areas where both local and state law provide meaningful protections.
St. Paul is one of only two cities in Minnesota — the other being Minneapolis — that has enacted a rent stabilization ordinance. Passed by voters in November 2021 and refined through subsequent city council action, the St. Paul Rent Stabilization Ordinance (St. Paul Legislative Code Ch. 193A) caps annual rent increases at 3% per 12-month period for most residential rental units. Beyond this local ordinance, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B provides a comprehensive framework of tenant rights covering habitability, security deposits, anti-retaliation, and the eviction process.
This page summarizes the key laws affecting St. Paul renters as of April 2026. It is intended as an educational resource only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and ordinances can change; renters facing urgent situations should contact a qualified attorney or one of the legal aid organizations listed below.
St. Paul Has Rent Stabilization — a 3% Annual Cap. Unlike most U.S. cities, St. Paul has an active rent stabilization ordinance. Voters approved the measure in November 2021, and it was codified as St. Paul Legislative Code Chapter 193A. The ordinance is authorized under Minn. Stat. § 471.9996, which grants Minnesota cities the explicit authority to enact rent stabilization measures.
What the ordinance covers: The 3% cap applies to rent increases within any 12-month period for most residential rental units in St. Paul — including apartments, single-family rentals, duplexes, and condominiums. The cap is tied to each individual unit, not to the tenant, meaning the limitation persists even when a new tenant moves in (sometimes called "strong" rent stabilization with no vacancy decontrol).
Exemptions: Certain units are exempt, including units in buildings that received a certificate of occupancy within the past 20 years (new construction exemption), owner-occupied buildings with fewer than four units, and units operated by a government housing authority. Landlords may also apply to the city for an exception to exceed the 3% cap based on documented cost increases or a fair return on investment.
Enforcement: Tenants who believe their landlord has illegally raised rent beyond 3% can file a complaint with the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI). For guidance on the ordinance's current status and any amendments, consult the St. Paul City Attorney's office or one of the legal aid organizations listed on this page.
Beyond St. Paul's local rent stabilization ordinance, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B establishes a broad set of statewide protections for all residential tenants, including those in St. Paul.
Habitability (Minn. Stat. § 504B.161): Landlords in Minnesota are required by law to keep rental units in reasonable repair and in compliance with applicable health and safety codes. This includes maintaining heating systems adequate to keep the unit at 68°F from October 1 through April 30, functional plumbing and electrical systems, and structural integrity. Landlords must make repairs within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from the tenant.
Rent Escrow Remedy (Minn. Stat. § 504B.385): If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after proper notice, tenants may petition a court to deposit rent into escrow rather than paying the landlord directly. The court can order repairs, reduce rent, or release escrow funds depending on the outcome. This is one of Minnesota's most powerful tenant remedies.
Security Deposit Rules (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178): Landlords must return the security deposit — along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions — within 21 days of the tenant vacating the unit. If the landlord retains any portion in bad faith, the tenant may recover up to $500 plus double the amount wrongfully withheld. There is no statutory cap on the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit in Minnesota.
Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month Tenancy (Minn. Stat. § 504B.135): Either the landlord or the tenant must provide at least one full rental period of written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. For most St. Paul renters who pay rent monthly, this means at least 30 days' written notice, delivered before the start of the rental period in which the tenancy will end.
Anti-Retaliation (Minn. Stat. § 504B.441): Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants for reporting housing code violations, contacting a government agency about conditions, joining or organizing a tenant union, or exercising any other legal right. Retaliatory acts include raising rent, reducing services, filing an eviction, or threatening any of these actions. A court may award the tenant damages, attorney fees, and other relief if retaliation is proven.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Minn. Stat. § 504B.225): Self-help eviction is illegal in Minnesota. A landlord may not remove a tenant by changing locks, removing doors, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's personal property without a court order. A tenant who is illegally locked out may recover possession immediately through an emergency court hearing and may be entitled to damages.
No Statutory Cap on Deposit Amount: Minnesota law does not limit how much a landlord may charge as a security deposit. In St. Paul, landlords commonly charge one to two months' rent, though this is a market practice rather than a legal requirement. Tenants should document the amount paid and obtain a receipt.
21-Day Return Deadline (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178): After a tenant moves out, the landlord has exactly 21 days to return the security deposit — or the balance remaining after lawful deductions — along with a written, itemized statement explaining any amounts withheld. The 21-day clock starts running from the later of: (1) the date the tenant vacates, or (2) the date the tenant provides a forwarding address.
Permissible Deductions: A landlord may only deduct from the security deposit for unpaid rent, damage to the unit beyond ordinary wear and tear, and other specific costs permitted by the lease. Deductions for normal aging of carpets, paint, or fixtures are not permitted.
Penalty for Bad-Faith Withholding: If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of the security deposit in bad faith, the tenant may recover up to $500 plus double the amount that was wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178, subd. 7). To maximize the chance of a full refund, tenants should photograph the unit thoroughly at move-in and move-out, return all keys, and provide a written forwarding address in writing at the time of move-out.
Interest on Deposits: Minnesota does not require landlords to hold security deposits in interest-bearing accounts or to pay interest to tenants on deposits.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal (Minn. Stat. § 504B.225): A St. Paul landlord may not remove a tenant by changing the locks, shutting off utilities, removing doors or windows, or taking any other action to force the tenant out without going through the court process. Any landlord who does so is liable to the tenant for damages, including recovery of possession and costs.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, a landlord must provide the tenant with proper written notice. The type and duration of notice depends on the reason for eviction. For nonpayment of rent, Minnesota law requires at least 14 days' written notice to vacate before a landlord can file an eviction action (Minn. Stat. § 504B.321). For a lease violation other than nonpayment, the landlord must provide a reasonable opportunity to cure before filing. For the end of a month-to-month tenancy, at least one full rental period of written notice is required (Minn. Stat. § 504B.135).
Step 2 — Filing an Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) Action: If the tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord may file an eviction — called an "unlawful detainer" action — in Ramsey County District Court. The filing fee is paid by the landlord. The court will schedule a hearing, typically within 7 to 14 days of filing.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both the landlord and tenant appear before a judge or referee. Tenants have the right to present defenses, including proof that rent was paid, that the eviction is retaliatory (Minn. Stat. § 504B.441), or that the landlord failed to maintain the unit in habitable condition. Tenants should bring documentation, photographs, and witnesses if applicable.
Step 4 — Writ of Recovery: If the court rules in the landlord's favor, a writ of recovery is issued. The tenant then has a short period — typically 24 hours to 7 days depending on the circumstances — to vacate before a sheriff may enforce the writ.
Just Cause: Minnesota does not have a statewide just-cause eviction law. However, St. Paul's rent stabilization ordinance (Ch. 193A) includes provisions that may affect the ability to remove tenants in certain circumstances; renters should consult legal aid for details specific to their situation.
Emergency Tenant Remedy (Minn. Stat. § 504B.385): Separately from eviction defense, tenants facing uninhabitable conditions may file their own action in court to compel repairs or deposit rent into escrow.
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws and local ordinances — including the St. Paul Rent Stabilization Ordinance — can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Renters who need guidance on their particular circumstances should contact a qualified attorney or a legal aid organization such as HOME Line or Legal Aid Twin Cities. RentCheckMe makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information and is not responsible for any actions taken in reliance on it.
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