Minnesota landlord entry notice: 24 hours, a time window, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What does Minnesota require before a landlord enters?

Section 504B.211, subdivision 2 sets three things. The notice is given in good faith. It is given at least 24 hours before you enter. And it names a time window, with the visit between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A notice that says only "sometime this week" misses the window requirement, and a notice that sets a window after 8 p.m. falls outside the hours.

Example a made-up landlord emails a tenant at 3 p.m. Monday that a plumber will come to the unit between 10 a.m. and 12 noon on Wednesday. That gives well over 24 hours, names a window and sits inside 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If the same email had said the plumber would come at 9 a.m. Tuesday, it would give only 18 hours and would not meet the rule.

What does good faith mean in practice?

It means a real reason: a repair, an inspection you have scheduled, a showing or another purpose the lease or statute allows, not a pretext. Say the reason in the notice. Do not use entry to pressure a tenant, to check on them repeatedly or to retaliate for a complaint; see retaliation rules.

What should the notice include?

• The date and the time window of the visit, inside 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• The reason for entry, in a sentence.
• Who will come: you, a vendor or both, and the vendor's name if you have it.
• How the tenant can reach you to reschedule.
• The date and time you sent the notice, so you can show the 24 hours.

Send it by a method your lease allows and keep a copy. If you email, read how to serve a notice by email. If the tenant says no or is never available, see what to do when a tenant refuses entry.

Are there exceptions?

Section 504B.211 has exceptions, and DoorKeeping's Minnesota rules file records only the 24-hour notice rule with its window. Do not assume an exception applies to a routine visit. For anything beyond a normal scheduled entry, read section 504B.211 itself or ask a local attorney. Some cities add rules of their own.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Giving a window that runs past 8 p.m., or a notice with only a date.
• Sending the notice less than 24 hours before the start of the window.
• Entering for a reason you did not state, or too often.
• Letting a vendor go in without telling the tenant who is coming.

Write the time you sent the notice in your records. The 24 hours is counted from when the notice is given, so that timestamp is your proof.

How DoorKeeping handles it

DoorKeeping can text or email a tenant after your yes, and the message and its send time stay in the tenant's message history. Work orders send a vendor a job link, which leaves a record of the visit. Ask Claude or ChatGPT which units have a visit this week and check the windows. Deposit and late fee rules for Minnesota are kept in the state rules file, and late fees stay within the cap. DoorKeeping gives general information, not legal advice. Laws change and cities can add rules, so check the current law for your state and your property before you act, and talk to a local attorney if a case is contested.

Sources

1. Minnesota Statutes 504B.211, landlord access to premises, read Oct 30, 2026

Questions

How much notice must a Minnesota landlord give before entering?

A good-faith notice at least 24 hours ahead that names a time window (Minn. Stat. 504B.211, subdivision 2).

What hours can a Minnesota landlord enter?

Between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Can I give the notice by email?

Only if your lease allows email notices. Keep a copy with the send time.

Does the 24-hour rule have exceptions?

The statute has exceptions. Read the full section before relying on one.