AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of this bill is to create and maintain a statewide landlord database in Minnesota. It aims to improve transparency regarding rental property ownership and management, making it easier for tenants and prospective tenants to access relevant information.
Main Provisions
Creation of Statewide Landlord Database: The Housing Finance Agency will establish and maintain a public database containing information about landlords and rental properties. It will be searchable and free to access.
Mandatory Submission from Landlords: Landlords are required to submit information about themselves and their properties to the database before renting out a residential building or within 60 days of doing so. This includes:
- Legal names of property owners.
- Business addresses.
- Contact information for landlords or managers.
- Rent details for each unit.
- Rental license details if applicable.
Annual Updates: Landlords must update their submissions annually by a specified date or within 60 days if a unit becomes occupied.
Tenant Remedies and Rights:
- Tenants or prospective tenants who cannot find a landlord in the database can report it, prompting a notice to be sent to the landlord.
- They can initiate a civil lawsuit if the landlord fails to provide the required information.
- Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants exercising their rights under this law.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Non-compliancy could result in civil action and penalties up to $5,000 for repeated, knowing, and willful violations.
Significant Changes
This bill amends existing law by adding the requirements for a statewide landlord database and specifying enforcement and penalty provisions under the housing section of the Minnesota Statutes. It strengthens consumer protection laws relating to housing by involving the Attorney General in investigating and enforcing compliance with these new requirements.
Relevant Terms
- Landlord registration
- Tenant rights
- Civil penalties
- Housing transparency
- Attorney General enforcement
- Rental property database
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 31, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
Citations
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