Minnesota Eviction Notice Overview
Minnesota uses a 14-day notice for non-payment of rent under Minn. Stat. 504B.291. Minnesota does not use a 5-day notice. The state has some of the longest notice periods and strongest tenant protections in the nation. Hennepin County (Minneapolis) and Ramsey County (St. Paul) have dedicated Housing Courts.
Understanding the correct notice period is critical for Minnesota landlords. Using a 5-day notice when the law requires a different period will result in the court dismissing the eviction case, costing the landlord additional time and filing fees. Always verify the current Minnesota statutory requirements before serving any eviction notice.
14-day
Actual notice period
$285 - $350
Court filing fee
Housing
Court type
6-12 Wks
Total process
Why Minnesota Uses 14-day, Not 5 Days
Important: Minnesota Does Not Have a 5-Day Notice
A 5-day eviction notice is not the correct notice period in Minnesota. Under Minn. Stat. 504B.291, the required notice for non-payment of rent is 14-day. Serving a 5-day notice will likely result in the court dismissing your case. Use the correct 14-day notice period.
States that do use a 5-day notice include Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Minnesota is not among them. The 14-day notice requirement in Minnesota applies to the most common eviction scenario: non-payment of rent. Other eviction grounds (lease violations, month-to-month terminations) may require different notice periods under Minnesota law.
If you are a landlord in Minnesota, ensure your eviction notice complies with Minn. Stat. 504B.291 and includes all elements required by Housing Court/District Court. Using our Minnesota-specific template ensures you have the correct notice period and statutory language.
Minnesota Legal Requirements for Eviction Notices
To withstand judicial scrutiny in Minnesota Housing Court/District Court, your eviction notice must contain all elements required by state law. Missing even one required element gives the tenant grounds to challenge the notice.
Required Notice Contents
- Tenant Names: Full legal names of all adult tenants on the lease agreement
- Property Address: Complete address including unit number, city, and Minnesota county
- Amount Owed: For non-payment cases, specific dollar amount of rent due plus any lawful late fees
- Notice Period: Clear statement of the 14-day period to pay or vacate as required by Minn. Stat. 504B.291
- Consequences: Warning that failure to pay or vacate will result in eviction proceedings in Housing Court/District Court
- Landlord Information: Name, signature, and contact information of the landlord or property manager
- Date of Service: The date the notice is delivered, which starts the 14-day clock
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Minnesota
Proper service of the eviction notice is essential under Minnesota law. Housing Court/District Court judges regularly dismiss cases where the landlord cannot demonstrate proper service.
Personal Hand-Delivery (Preferred)
Deliver the notice directly to the tenant in person. Bring a witness or use a process server for documentation. This is the method Minnesota courts trust most.
Substituted Service
If the tenant is not available, leave the notice with a competent adult (18+) residing at the property. Record the name and date of service.
Post and Mail
Post the notice on the main entry door and mail a copy via first-class or certified mail. Use this as a last resort when personal delivery fails.
Document Everything
Prepare a proof of service affidavit recording the date, time, method, and witnesses. Minnesota courts require this when filing the eviction complaint.
File After Notice Period Expires
Once the 14-day period expires without payment or vacancy, file the eviction complaint at the Housing Court/District Court in the jurisdiction where the property is located.
Minnesota Eviction Timeline
The eviction process in Minnesota follows a specific timeline from notice to enforcement. A typical uncontested eviction takes approximately 6-12 Wks from the date the notice is served. Contested cases can take significantly longer.
After the 14-day notice period expires and the complaint is filed, the court schedules a hearing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the notice, lease, and proof of service. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession.
Following the judgment, the tenant has a limited time to appeal or vacate. If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, the landlord obtains a writ of possession, and the sheriff or constable enforces the removal. Self-help evictions are illegal in Minnesota and can expose the landlord to substantial liability.
Minnesota Eviction Filing Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Minnesota. Actual fees may vary by county and specific circumstances.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing Court/District Court Filing Fee | $285 - $350 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees (Uncontested) | $400 - $2,000 |
Sample Minnesota Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of the Minnesota-specific eviction notice using the correct 14-day notice period required by Minn. Stat. 504B.291.
NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 504B.291
TO TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Address: [Full Minnesota Address]
NOTICE:
You are notified that rent in the amount of $[Amount] is past due. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 504B.291, you have 14-DAY from the date of service to pay the total amount due or surrender possession.
MINNESOTA COMPLIANCE
This notice uses the correct 14-day period required by Minnesota law under Minn. Stat. 504B.291. A 5-day notice is not valid in Minnesota.