Education for Justice FACT SHEET H-2 Fall 2009

QUESTIONS ABOUT RENTING

WHAT IF MY LANDLORD WON’T MAKE REPAIRS?

File a rent escrow case. There are 2 ways to start this.

• Call your local inspection office and ask them to inspect your home. They will order the landlord to make the repairs. If the repairs are not done by the deadline they give in the report, you can file a rent escrow case. OR

• Send a letter to the landlord listing all the problems. Put a date on it and keep a copy. If repairs are not made in 14 days, you can file a rent escrow case.

In a rent escrow case you pay your rent into court instead of to the landlord. This method is safer and better than simply holding on to your rent. See our fact sheet Getting a Landlord to Make Repairs.

CAN I MAKE REPAIRS MYSELF AND TAKE IT OFF THE RENT?

No – unless you have a court order that allows you to repair and “deduct”. It is better to file a rent escrow case. If you need emergency repairs, like you have no heat or running water, call your landlord immediately. If the landlord does not fix it you can file an Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (ETRA). See our fact sheet Emergency Repair Problems.

CAN I USE MY SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR THE LAST MONTH’S RENT?

No. You must pay the last month’s rent. If you do not, the landlord can evict you and also sue you in Conciliation Court.

CAN MY LANDLORD ENTER MY HOME?

Yes, but only for a "reasonable business purpose" or an emergency. The landlord usually needs to give you notice for a business reason, but not for an emergency.

It is not legal for a lease to say anything about giving up your right to notice from the landlord if he wants to enter your home. If your lease says anything about that, it is not enforceable.

For more information, see our fact sheet Can My Landlord Enter My Home?

CAN I BE EVICTED IN THE WINTER?

Yes. You can be evicted at any time of year.

IF I LOSE AN EVICTION ACTION CASE, HOW LONG UNTIL I HAVE TO MOVE OUT?

As little as 24 hours. The most time you will get is 7 days.

CAN I BE EVICTED FOR SOMETHING A VISITOR DID?

Yes. In general, you are responsible for the actions of your children and your guests.

CAN MY FRIEND OR RELATIVE MOVE IN WITH ME?

Not without your landlord’s permission, if you have a written lease. If you do not have a written lease, you might not need permission, but it would be wise to get it. Otherwise, your landlord may give you a notice to move out.

I DON’T HAVE A LEASE. CAN MY LANDLORD GIVE ME A NOTICE TO MOVE?

Yes. The landlord can give you a written notice asking you to leave at the end of the next month. For example, the landlord can give you a notice in June that they want you out by July 31. The landlord does not need to give you a reason. But the landlord cannot discriminate against you, or retaliate against (get back at) you for complaining about repairs.

WHAT IF MY LANDLORD IS IN FORECLOSURE?  DO I HAVE TO MOVE OUT BEFORE THE SHERIFF'S SALE?

No.  Generally, if your landlord is in foreclosure both you and the landlord need to keep following all the terms of the lease until the end of the redemption period. This is usually 6 months after the sheriff's sale.  The foreclosing bank must give you written notice before you have to move out after the end of the redemption period.  You may have other rights as a tenant in foreclosure, see our fact sheet When Your Landlord Loses the Building.

Minneapolis Legal Aid – CLE MN Legal Services Coalition 2324 University Avenue W. – Suite 101B St. Paul, MN 55114

Don’t use this fact sheet if it is more than 1 year old. Write us for updates, a fact sheet list, or alternate formats. Fact Sheets aren’t a complete answer to a legal problem. See a lawyer for advice.