HF2966 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Statewide landlord database created, civil penalty for failure to register with statewide landlord database created, civil remedies provided, and attorney general enforcement provided.
Related bill: SF3175
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to enhance transparency in rental housing by creating a statewide database that lists landlords and rental properties. It also aims to enforce penalties for landlords failing to register with this database.
Main Provisions
- Creation of a Statewide Landlord Database: The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency is tasked with establishing and maintaining a public database of landlords. This database is intended to be free and searchable by the public.
- Information Required: Landlords must submit detailed information, including the names of property owners, business addresses, contact details of the managers, current rent rates, and rental license information.
- Annual Updates: Landlords are required to update their information annually by February 1, or within 60 days of a new rental or occupancy.
- Civil Penalties: Landlords who fail to comply with registration requirements may face penalties, including fines up to $5,000 for repeated violations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Tenant Remedies: Tenants or prospective tenants unable to find a landlord on the database can notify the agency, which will then contact the landlord and demand compliance. Tenants may seek legal action for injunctive relief, attorney fees, and up to $5,000 in civil penalties if landlords do not comply.
- Protection Against Retaliation: The bill prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their rights under this new law, including actions such as rent increases or eviction.
- Attorney General’s Role: The Attorney General is empowered to enforce the new requirements and impose penalties on non-complying landlords.
Relevant Terms
statewide landlord database, civil penalty, residential tenant, tenant rights, landlord registration, attorney general enforcement, rental property compliance, retaliation protection, housing transparency.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Housing Finance and Policy |
| April 01, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added | |
| April 06, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
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"summary": "Another reference to the antidiscrimination acts.",
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"summary": "References the Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act.",
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"citation": "325F.68 to 325F.70",
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"analysis": {
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"summary": "Relates to the attorney general's power to investigate and enforce certain statutes.",
"modified": [
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"citation": "8.31",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
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"summary": "Defines 'landlord' for purposes of the bill's provisions.",
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