Minnesota Eviction Notice Overview
Minnesota does not use a 7-day eviction notice. Under Minn. Stat. 504B.291, landlords must give a 14-day noticefor non-payment of rent. Minnesota has one of the longer notice periods in the country. The eviction process is called an 'eviction action' (formerly 'unlawful detainer') and is filed in District Court on the housing calendar.
Minnesota's comprehensive landlord-tenant law is codified in Minn. Stat. Chapter 504B. The state provides significant tenant protections including the right to cure, anti-retaliation provisions, and strict notice requirements. Minnesota has 87 counties, and eviction cases are filed in District Court. Hennepin County (Minneapolis) and Ramsey County (St. Paul) handle the highest volume. Minnesota recently enacted laws limiting the use of eviction records and providing additional protections.
14 Days
Notice period
$285
Filing fee
MN Code
Governing law
District
Court level
Why Minnesota Uses 14 Days, Not 7
Important: Minnesota Requires a 14-Day Notice, Not 7
Minn. Stat. 504B.291 requires a 14-day notice for non-payment of rent. Using a 7-day notice in Minnesota would be insufficient and would result in dismissal of the eviction action. Minnesota provides tenants with the right to pay the full amount and redeem the tenancy within the notice period.
Minnesota Notice Periods at a Glance
- 14-Day Notice — Non-Payment (§504B.291): Tenant has 14 days to pay all rent owed in full
- Reasonable Notice — Lease Violations: Notice and opportunity to cure for material violations
- Rental Period Notice — Month-to-Month: Notice equal to the rental period (typically 30 days)
- Immediate — Criminal Activity: For certain criminal activity on the premises
Minnesota Notice Requirements
Minnesota courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 14 days for non-payment as required by Minnesota law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Minnesota
Minnesota law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant in person. Most reliable and preferred by Minnesota courts.
Posting on Premises
Post on the main entry door and mail a copy if the tenant cannot be personally served.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt. Provides proof of delivery.
Document Service
Prepare an affidavit of service. Minnesota District Courts require proof of service with the eviction filing.
Minnesota Eviction Timeline
The Minnesota eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 14-day notice for non-payment per Minn. Stat. 504B.291
If tenant has not paid, file eviction action in District Court (housing calendar)
Court serves summons; hearing set within 7-14 days
Hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment entered; tenant has 7 days to vacate
Writ of recovery issued; sheriff enforces removal
Uncontested Minnesota evictions take 5-8 weeks. Contested cases take 8-16 weeks. Hennepin County (Minneapolis) and Ramsey County (St. Paul) often have longer timelines. Minnesota has been expanding tenant protections and legal aid availability, which can extend case timelines.
Minnesota Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Minnesota District Court (Housing Calendar). Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $285 |
| Service of Process | $40 - $75 |
| Writ of Recovery | $50 - $100 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $250 - $400 |
Sample Minnesota Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Minnesota-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of Minn. Stat. 504B.291.
14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 504B.291
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Minnesota Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have FOURTEEN (14) DAYS from service to pay $[Amount] in full or vacate the premises.
MINNESOTA COMPLIANCE NOTE
Minnesota requires a 14-day notice for non-payment (Minn. Stat. 504B.291), not 7 days. Minnesota is one of the more tenant-protective states.