Minnesota Rent Increase Notice Rules

Minnesota rent increase rules at a glance

Minnesota requires at least one full rental period of written notice to raise rent on a month-to-month tenancy. For monthly leases, that's 30 days. This is a common-law rule (no specific statute fixes a number), but Minnesota courts consistently apply the "one full rental period" standard. There is no statewide rent cap, but St. Paul has had a voter-passed 3 percent annual cap since 2022.

The Minnesota one-full-rental-period notice rule

The notice must be served before the start of the next rental period when the new rent will apply. For a monthly lease with rent due on the 1st, a notice served on the 15th of one month sets the earliest effective date as the 1st of the second following month. The notice must be in writing. Personal delivery, certified mail, or per-lease delivery methods all suffice.

St. Paul's 3 percent rent stabilization cap

St. Paul voters approved a 3 percent annual rent cap in 2021, effective May 2022. The cap allows banking of unused increases (rolling forward) and exemptions for new construction (20 years from certificate of occupancy), affordable housing, and small owner-occupied properties. Landlords seeking above the cap must apply for an exception. Minneapolis voters approved authorization for rent stabilization in 2021, but the city has not yet enacted specific caps.

Fixed-term leases in Minnesota

For fixed-term leases (six months, one year, etc.), rent cannot be raised mid-term. Increases apply at renewal, with the same one-rental-period notice rule applying to the renewal terms.

How to use this calculator

Enter current and proposed rent. The calculator returns Minnesota's 30-day notice requirement, the increase percentage, and the earliest legal effective date. The 30-day default assumes a monthly lease.

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota rent increases

How much notice must a Minnesota landlord give to raise rent?

At least one full rental period of written notice, which is 30 days for monthly leases. This is the common-law standard applied by Minnesota courts.

Is there a rent cap in Minnesota?

No statewide cap. St. Paul has a voter-approved 3 percent annual cap (effective May 2022) with banking, new-construction exemptions, and an exception application. Minneapolis has authorization but no enacted specific cap.

Can a Minnesota landlord raise rent during a fixed-term lease?

Generally no. A fixed-term lease locks in the rent for the term. Rent increases apply at renewal.

How often can a Minnesota landlord raise rent?

No state limit; St. Paul properties under the 3 percent cap can effectively raise once per 12-month period because the cap is annualized.

What is a fair Minnesota rent increase amount?

Three to six percent annual is the typical band statewide. St. Paul caps at 3 percent (with banking). Minneapolis market growth has run 4 to 7 percent in recent years per HUD fair-market rent data.