Minnesota Eviction Notices: The 14-Day Nonpayment Notice
Last reviewed: July 2026
Minnesota changed its eviction rules recently, and the biggest change for landlords is a required written notice before you can file for nonpayment of rent. This is a plain-English overview — not a substitute for legal advice.
The 14-day nonpayment notice
As of January 1, 2024, Minnesota requires a landlord to give the tenant a written 14-day notice before filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent. The notice tells the tenant how much rent is owed and gives them the chance to pay before the case is filed.
This is a change from the old process, where a landlord could move more directly to filing. If the tenant pays what’s owed within the window, the nonpayment basis for eviction goes away.
The notice is the start, not the eviction
Serving the 14-day notice is a required first step — it is not the eviction itself. If the tenant doesn’t pay, a Minnesota eviction is an “eviction action” filed and decided in court.
You cannot lawfully force a tenant out on your own. Changing the locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to push a tenant out is unlawful in Minnesota, no matter how far behind the rent is.
Other grounds still go through court
Nonpayment is the most common reason, but evictions for lease violations or holding over after a tenancy ends also run through the court process. Each has its own requirements, and the paperwork and timing have to be right.
Because deadlines and service rules are exact, many landlords bring in an attorney once a matter is heading to court. Treat this guide as orientation, not step-by-step legal instructions.
How Landlord Command helps
- Rent tracking & reminders — See what's paid, what's late, and how many days overdue — with automatic reminders before it gets to a notice.
- Tenant messaging — Keep entry notices and every tenant conversation in writing, in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota require notice before filing an eviction for nonpayment?
Yes. Since January 1, 2024, a landlord must give the tenant a written 14-day notice of nonpayment before filing an eviction action for unpaid rent.
Can a Minnesota landlord evict without going to court?
No. The 14-day notice is only the first step. If the tenant doesn’t pay, the eviction is filed and decided in court — self-help measures like changing locks or shutting off utilities are unlawful.
What happens if the tenant pays during the 14-day notice period?
If the tenant pays the rent owed, the nonpayment basis for the eviction is resolved and the tenancy continues.
This guide is general information for Minnesota landlords, not legal advice. Laws change and specific situations vary — confirm the current requirements under Minn. Stat. ch. 504B, or consult an attorney, before acting.