Unit 2: MN Landlord-Tenant Act

Question 1

Who publishes the booklet of legal rights called Landlord and Tenants Rights and Responsibilities?

Answer 1

Minnesota attorney

Question 2

What does the Landlord-Tenant Act require?

Answer 2

All leases in residential buildings with 12 or more units need to be in writing, regardless of length.

Question 3

A residential building has 8 units and a tenant is leasing a unit for 8 months. Does the lease need to be in writing?

Answer 3

No, If a lease is under 12 months and is part of a building with less than 12 units the lease does not need to be in writing.

Question 4

A residential building has 8 units and a tenant is leasing a unit for 24 months. Does the lease need to be in writing?

Answer 4

Yes. Even though the building has less than 12 units because the lease is more than 12 months it needs to be in writing.

Question 5

When must the security deposit be returned?

Answer 5

Within 3 weeks or 21 days after termination of tenancy.

Question 6

What is added to the security deposit when returned to the tenant?

Answer 6

1% simple (non-compounded) interest.

Question 7

When does the security deposit interest start accrueing?

Answer 7

From the 1st month after the landlord receives the deposit.

Question 8

If the landlord is not returning all the security deposit, what are they required to provide along with the deposit?

Answer 8

A written statement explaining why all/some of the deposit is being retained.

Question 9

T/F Landlords can retain the security deposit for normal ware and tear.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

What are the 3 reasons a landlord may retain a security deposit?

Answer 10

1. No new address is given
2. If money is owed
3. If there are damages

Question 11

T/F If a tenant has left behind personal items, under the MN Landlord-Tenant Act, the landlord must store and care for the property.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

How long does a landlord need to store and care of a tenant’s property?

Answer 12

28 days. After 28 days they can sell or dispose of it.

Question 13

Before selling or disposing of the tenant’s property, what does the landlord need to do?

Answer 13

Must provide the tenant notice at least 14 days before disposal or sale.

Question 14

If a tenant is vacating during the winter, how many days extra notice do they need to give?

Answer 14

3 days if between November 15 and April 15 so the pipes don’t freeze.