Eviction Process in Minnesota: A 2026 Landlord's Guide
14-day notice for nonpayment. Immediate termination for material breach. Court hearing 7-14 days. Tenant can cure nonpayment before hearing to stop eviction.
Required notice types in Minnesota
| Type | Notice Period | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Nonpayment | 14 days | Tenant failed to pay rent. Tenant may cure by paying the full amount owed before the deadline in most states. |
| Lease violation (curable) | None / immediate | Tenant is violating lease terms (unauthorized pets, unauthorized occupants, noise, etc.) and has the option to correct the violation. |
The eviction process, step by step
Step 1 — Serve a 14-day Notice of Non-Renewal. Minnesota law requires you to give the tenant written notice and 14 days to either pay what's owed or vacate. Serve in the manner permitted by Minn. Stat. § 504B.291.
Step 2 — File a Eviction Action complaint. If the tenant doesn't pay or move out by the deadline, file in the appropriate court (typically justice, district, or small claims depending on county).
Step 3 — Court hearing. The court sets a hearing, typically within 4-9 weeks. Bring the lease, payment ledger, copy of the notice, and proof of service.
Step 4 — Judgment and writ of possession. If you win, the court issues a judgment. After the tenant's appeal window closes, the sheriff or constable executes the writ and restores possession.
How long does an eviction take in Minnesota?
Uncontested cases in Minnesota typically move through the courts in about 60 days from notice to sheriff's lockout. Contested cases, tenant bankruptcy filings, and local court backlogs can extend this significantly. The minimum realistic timeline (everything uncontested, no appeals) is roughly 30 days.
Need to send a Notice of Non-Renewal right now?
LandlordPro drafts a Minnesota notice in about 2 minutes using the notice period and service language on file for Minnesota, with a digital audit trail. Check the current statute or a local attorney before you serve it.
Start free — no credit cardKey statute for Minnesota
Notice for unpaid rent
Authority: Minn. Stat. § 504B.321, subd. 1a
If the residential tenant fails to correct the rent delinquency within 14 days of the delivery or mailing of the notice, or the number of days required by a local government rule or law if ... longer than 14 days
What this means: Minnesota requires a 14-day notice before you can file for eviction over unpaid rent.
Read from the statute text (verified 2026-09-22)
Notice for other lease violations
Authority: Minn. Stat. § 504B.285, subd. 1(a)(2)
any person holds over real property after termination of the time for which it is demised or leased ... contrary to the conditions or covenants of the lease or agreement under which that person holds
What this means: Minnesota law sets no fixed notice period before filing for a lease violation other than unpaid rent.
Read from the statute text (verified 2026-09-22)
Ending a month-to-month tenancy
Authority: Minn. Stat. § 504B.135
A tenancy at will may be terminated by either party by giving notice in writing. The time of the notice must be at least as long as the interval between the time rent is due or three months, whichever is less.
What this means: Minnesota requires 30 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.
Read from the statute text (verified 2026-09-22)
Abandoned property
If a tenant leaves personal property behind after vacating, Minnesota allows landlords to handle abandoned property after 28 days of apparent abandonment. Procedures vary — many states require written notice and a public or private sale with proceeds held for a statutory period.
Frequently asked questions
How many days' notice do I need to give before evicting for nonpayment in Minnesota?
Minnesota law requires a 14-day notice for nonpayment of rent. The tenant typically has those 14 days to either pay the full amount owed or vacate before you can file in court. See Minn. Stat. § 504B.291.
How long does an eviction take in Minnesota?
An uncontested eviction in Minnesota typically takes about 60 days from notice to sheriff's lockout. Contested cases, tenant bankruptcy, or court backlogs can add weeks or months.
Can I evict a tenant at the end of their lease in Minnesota without cause?
Minnesota generally allows landlords to end a tenancy at the close of a fixed-term lease or with proper notice to a month-to-month tenant, without needing to show fault. Local ordinances may add requirements — confirm with an attorney if you're in a large city.
Can I change the locks or shut off utilities to force a Minnesota tenant out?
No. Self-help evictions — changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities — are illegal in Minnesota and every other US state. Only a court order and a sheriff or constable can legally remove a tenant. Self-help exposes you to damages and statutory penalties.
What happens if my Minnesota tenant files for bankruptcy during eviction?
A bankruptcy filing triggers an automatic stay that halts the eviction, even if you have a judgment. You'll generally need to file a motion for relief from the automatic stay in bankruptcy court before resuming. Bankruptcies add weeks or months — factor this into your risk assessment.
Handling evictions in Minnesota with LandlordPro
LandlordPro is built to keep you on the right side of Minnesota's procedural rules. The notice wizard asks a few questions, drafts a notice using the number of days and language on file for this state; verify it against the current statute before serving, and logs proof of service. If the case proceeds to court, LandlordPro's eviction timeline tracks every deadline and its tenant records bundle feature assembles an attorney-review-ready PDF with a plain-English AI records summary of the case — a tool no other landlord software offers.
Create your first Minnesota notice →
Raising the rent: Minnesota requires 30 days' notice before a rent increase (via the month-to-month notice rule). Minnesota rent increase laws →
Late rent: Minnesota caps late fees at 8%. Minnesota late fee laws →
Related: Minnesota security deposit law — limits & return deadlines · What an eviction costs in every state
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