How to evict a tenant in Minnesota: steps and timeline

What notice does Minnesota require for unpaid rent?

Minnesota Statutes 504B.321, subdivision 1a, requires a written notice before an eviction action for nonpayment of rent or another unpaid financial obligation in the lease. It must state the total due and a specific accounting of unpaid rent, late fees and other charges, give the name and address of the person authorized to receive rent and fees, and include three statements the statute prints word for word: one on seeking legal help, one on applying for financial help, and one saying the landlord can file an eviction case if the tenant does not pay or move out within 14 days of the date of the notice.

You deliver it personally or by first class mail to the tenant at the address of the rental. If the tenant does not correct the delinquency or vacate within 14 days of delivery or mailing, or a longer period set by local rule, you may file. You must attach a copy of the notice to the complaint. Without it, the court dismisses the action without prejudice and expunges the file (subdivision 1).

What happens after you file?

The complaint must state the tenant's full name and date of birth if known, describe the premises and the facts that justify possession, and attach the current written lease and any addenda, plus an itemized accounting if you allege nonpayment (subdivisions 1 and 3). The appearance date is not less than seven nor more than 14 days after the summons is issued. An expedited hearing, five to seven days from issuing the summons, is only for the narrow cases in subdivision 2, such as behavior that seriously endangers other residents, and a landlord who asks for one without a sufficient basis can face a civil penalty of up to $750.

Can the tenant pay and stay?

In a nonpayment case, Section 504B.291 lets the tenant, at any time before possession has been delivered, redeem the tenancy and be restored to possession by paying the rent in arrears with interest, the costs of the action and an attorney's fee not to exceed $5, and by performing other lease covenants. The right does not apply if you also sought to evict for a material lease violation. Redemption may be made with a written guarantee from a government agency or a qualifying nonprofit that runs a rental assistance program.

How does the tenant actually leave?

If the court finds for you, it enters judgment for recovery of the premises and issues a writ of recovery of premises and order to vacate (Section 504B.345). Except in the cases the statute lists, the court stays the writ for a reasonable period not to exceed seven days, but not after a default judgment. The officer who holds the order demands that the tenant leave with belongings within 24 hours, and if the tenant does not, removes the tenant and belongings and puts you in possession at your cost (Section 504B.365). Removed belongings must be stored or handled as that section directs.

What does a typical timeline look like?

Example a made-up landlord mails the notice on Monday, November 2, 2026. The 14 days end Monday, November 16, and the landlord files on Tuesday, November 17 with the notice, the lease and an itemized accounting attached. The appearance falls between Tuesday, November 24 and Tuesday, December 1. If the court rules for the landlord, the writ may be stayed for a reasonable period of up to seven days, then the officer demands that the tenant leave within 24 hours. A local rule with a longer notice period, or a tenant who pays before possession is delivered, changes all of this.

If the tenant wins, the court enters judgment for the tenant, taxes costs against you and expunges the records of the action (Section 504B.345). If you store belongings on the premises, the plaintiff prepares an inventory and mails a copy to the tenant's last known or provided address (Section 504B.365). Check that section for the signing and deadline details before the removal day.

What can a Minnesota landlord never do?

Under Section 504B.225, a landlord or agent who unlawfully and intentionally removes or excludes a tenant, or intentionally interrupts electric, heat, gas or water service to force the tenant out, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and the law presumes the intent if the interruption was intentional. Section 504B.375 also lets a tenant who was excluded petition the district court to recover possession quickly.

How DoorKeeping handles it

DoorKeeping keeps each property's lease, rent ledger and the notices you send in one place, which is the paper trail a court asks for. You still serve the notice and file the case yourself. DoorKeeping gives general information, not legal advice. If a case is contested, or the tenant files an answer, talk to a local attorney.

Sources

1. Minnesota Statutes 504B.321 (Complaint and summons), read Oct 30, 2026
2. Minnesota Statutes 504B.291 (Eviction action for nonpayment; redemption), read Oct 30, 2026
3. Minnesota Statutes 504B.345 and 504B.365 (Judgment; execution of the writ), read Oct 30, 2026
4. Minnesota Statutes 504B.225 and 504B.375 (Unlawful exclusion), read Oct 30, 2026

Questions

Do I have to give notice before filing an eviction for unpaid rent in Minnesota?

Yes. A written notice with the contents in 504B.321, subdivision 1a, and a 14-day period must come first, and a copy goes with the complaint or the case is dismissed.

How soon is the first court date in Minnesota?

Not less than seven nor more than 14 days after the summons is issued, except in the narrow expedited cases (504B.321).

Can a Minnesota tenant stop the eviction by paying?

In a nonpayment case, generally yes. The tenant can redeem before possession is delivered by paying the arrears, interest, costs and an attorney fee capped at $5 (504B.291).