The COVID-19 eviction moratorium in Minnesota has fully expired. As of 2025, landlords in Blaine, Anoka County, and across Minnesota can again file evictions, but they must follow updated state rules and timelines. If you own rental property and have questions about nonpayment, lease violations, or how to move forward, it is important to understand what has changed since the moratorium and what has stayed the same.
Did Minnesota’s eviction moratorium end?
Yes. Minnesota adopted an “eviction off-ramp” law that phased out the moratorium and ended remaining protections tied to COVID-19 rental assistance on June 1, 2022. Since then, landlords may file eviction actions for nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, and other lawful reasons, as long as they follow Minnesota’s notice and court procedures.
Current eviction rules for Minnesota landlords
Evictions in 2025 look more familiar than they did during the moratorium, but several rules are now more detailed. In general, a landlord may seek to recover possession of a rental unit when:
- The tenant is behind on rent and proper notice has been given.
- The tenant has materially violated the lease (for example, serious damage, unauthorized occupants, or illegal activity).
- The lease term has ended and the tenant has not moved out, and notice requirements are met.
Local ordinances, housing programs, and subsidy rules can add more protections. Landlords who accept housing vouchers or other subsidies must be especially careful, because recent Minnesota court decisions affect when they may evict after accepting rent.
Required notice before filing for nonpayment of rent
In many nonpayment cases, Minnesota law now requires written notice before a landlord can file an eviction. The notice must clearly tell the tenant:
- That rent is past due and the total amount owed.
- That the landlord may file an eviction case if the rent is not paid.
- Where the tenant can find information about rental assistance and legal help.
Failing to provide proper notice can delay the case or result in dismissal. If you are unsure whether a notice is required in your situation, it is wise to have an attorney review your draft before you serve it.
Can I evict a tenant who is behind on rent in 2025?
In most cases, yes, as long as you follow notice and court rules. After the proper notice period passes, a landlord may file an eviction action in district court if the tenant still has not paid. The court will schedule a hearing, often within a short time. At the hearing, the landlord must show the amount owed and that the eviction meets Minnesota law and the terms of the lease.
Payment records, the written lease, notices given to the tenant, and any communication about payment plans can be important evidence. In some cases, tenants may still obtain rental assistance or raise defenses, so it is important to be prepared.
Can I evict a tenant for lease violations that are not about rent?
Yes. Landlords may bring an eviction case for material lease violations such as illegal activity, serious damage, or other significant breaches. Courts generally look at whether the violation is serious enough to justify removing the tenant. Accepting rent after learning about a violation can affect your rights, especially if the tenant uses a housing voucher or subsidy.
If you believe a tenant has violated the lease, it is important to:
- Review the written lease carefully.
- Document what happened with photos, written notes, and communications.
- Consult with counsel before accepting further rent payments if you are considering eviction based on that violation.
Steps in a Minnesota eviction case
While every situation is different, many residential eviction cases in Minnesota follow a similar pattern:
- Notice: Provide any required written notice for nonpayment or other issues.
- Filing the complaint: File an eviction complaint with the district court, attaching the lease, notices, and an itemized rent ledger when required.
- Service of summons: The court issues a summons, which must be served on the tenant. The summons tells the tenant when to appear in court.
- First hearing: The judge may explore whether the parties can settle the case or set it for a later hearing. Some matters are resolved at this first appearance.
- Trial or evidentiary hearing: If there is no settlement, each side presents evidence and testimony. The court then decides whether the landlord is entitled to recover possession.
- Writ of recovery: If the landlord prevails, the court may issue a Writ of Recovery and Order to Vacate. The landlord works with the sheriff’s office to schedule a move-out if the tenant does not leave by the deadline.
What about tenant protections in Minnesota?
Minnesota has also strengthened some tenant protections since the moratorium. Examples include rules about notice for nonpayment cases and when eviction files may be expunged. Tenants with housing vouchers or subsidies now have additional protections when landlords accept rent after learning of a lease violation.
For landlords, this means that old habits from before 2020 can create new legal risks. It is important to understand both your rights and your obligations before moving forward with an eviction.
How our firm helps Minnesota landlords
Landlord-tenant law can be technical, and eviction mistakes can be costly. Kenneth M. Wasche works with Minnesota landlords who own single-family homes, small multi-unit buildings, and commercial properties in Blaine, Anoka County, and the Twin Cities. Services often include:
- Reviewing and drafting residential and commercial leases.
- Preparing compliant notices for nonpayment or lease violations.
- Filing and litigating eviction actions in Minnesota district courts.
- Advising on settlements, payment plans, and move-out agreements.
- Coordinating real estate concerns that overlap with real estate transactions or disputes.
Talk with a Minnesota attorney about an eviction question
If you are a landlord facing unpaid rent, repeated lease violations, or questions about how current law applies to your property, you do not have to sort it out alone. A short consultation can help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and choose the next step that makes sense for you.
To discuss a specific situation or to learn more about landlord-tenant issues in Minnesota, contact us to schedule a consultation.