Housing assistance in Minnesota

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Minnesota

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Minnesota

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statewide cap. The Attorney General's handbook notes that some cities, such as Minneapolis, limit deposit amounts by ordinance.

Minnesota Attorney General, Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities, ch. 1

Deposit return deadline

Within 3 weeks after the tenancy ends and the landlord gets the tenant's mailing address, the landlord must return the deposit with 1% simple interest or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding (5 days if the building is condemned). Deductions are limited to unpaid rent or other money owed and restoring the unit, minus ordinary wear and tear. A landlord who misses the deadline owes a penalty equal to the amount withheld, and bad-faith retention adds up to $500 in punitive damages. Tenants can also ask for move-in and move-out inspections (Minn. Stat. § 504B.182).

Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.178, 504B.182

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

Before filing an eviction for unpaid rent or fees, the landlord must deliver a 14-day written notice, in person or by first-class mail. The notice must show the total owed with an itemized accounting, say who receives payment, and include statutory statements about legal aid (LawHelpMN.org) and emergency financial help (county/Tribal offices, MNbenefits, 211). The landlord can file only if the tenant does not pay or move out within 14 days, or longer if a local law requires. Courts dismiss cases filed without the notice.

Minn. Stat. § 504B.321, subd. 1a

Landlord entry notice

A landlord may enter only for a reasonable business purpose and after a good-faith effort to give at least 24 hours' notice. The notice must state a time or time window, and entry is allowed only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise. Entry without notice is allowed in certain emergencies, with a written notice left afterward if the tenant was not home. Violations can bring a penalty of up to $500 per violation, and tenants cannot be required to waive these rights.

Minn. Stat. § 504B.211

Rent increases and rent control

State law prohibits cities, counties and towns from adopting rent control unless the ordinance or charter amendment is approved by voters in a general election. No statewide cap applies.

Minn. Stat. § 471.9996

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Rent escrow is available. For a code violation, the tenant can deposit rent with the court after the time given for repairs runs out. For other violations, the tenant must first give written notice and wait 14 days. Tenants must keep paying rent into court while the case is pending and may not simply withhold it.

Minn. Stat. § 504B.385

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Minnesota

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Minnesota resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 Security depositsMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
2. Minn. Stat. § 504B.182 Initial and final inspectionMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
3. Minn. Stat. § 504B.321 Complaint and summons; notice for nonpaymentMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
4. Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 Tenant's right to privacyMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
5. Minn. Stat. § 471.9996 Rent control prohibitedMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
6. Minn. Stat. § 504B.385 Rent escrow actionMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
7. Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities, Chapter 1Minnesota Attorney General (viewed via Internet Archive snapshot, Apr. 2026)
8. Energy Assistance ProgramMinnesota Department of Commerce
9. LawHelpMNMinnesota Legal Services Coalition
10. United Way 211United Way 211
11. Metro HRA Rental AssistanceMetropolitan Council
12. Saint Paul Public Housing AgencySaint Paul Public Housing Agency
13. Duluth HousingHousing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth
14. Public Housing Authorities datasetU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development