Inclusive screening criteria

The first option is to use the City’s inclusive screening criteria. The guidelines limit what from your criminal, rental, and credit history can be used to deny your application. There are specific time limits on how far back in your past a criminal conviction or eviction action can be for it to be considered.

For example, if you have a misdemeanor older than three years, a property manager can’t use that to deny your application.

In another example, property managers can’t set a minimum credit score for renters. Specific things from your credit report can used, but only if they’re related to your ability to pay rent.

Individual assessment

The second option property managers have is to use criteria stricter than what’s in the ordinance, and in this case they must evaluate your application individually.

If they choose to evaluate your application individually, they must let you submit additional information with your application. They have to consider everything you provide when reviewing your application and provide a specific reason for denying it. 

Handouts

• Rental Screening Handout (English)
• Rental Screening Handout (Hmong)
• Rental Screening Handout (Somali)
• Rental Screening Handout (Spanish)

Your security deposit is capped at a single month's rent.

If a property manager wants more than a month's rent up front, the security deposit is capped at 50% of a month's rent. In this case, you must have the ability to pay it in up to three installments. For example, if you have to pay both the first and last month's rent before the beginning of your lease, your security deposit is capped at 50% of a month's rent, and you must be able to pay it over three months.

Security deposits aren’t rent. Property managers must return your security deposit and any interest within three weeks of the end of your lease. If some or all of your security deposit is withheld by the property manager, they must give you a written statement explaining why.

If you live in naturally occurring affordable housing (see below) the owner must give you and the City notice at least 60 days before putting the property on the market. 

Naturally occurring affordable housing includes buildings with five or more units where at least 20% of the units are affordable to households earning less than 60% of area median income.

See the latest definitions of median income for different households in our area.

In some situations, if you have to move out of your rental unit, you may be able to get financial relocation assistance. Relocation assistance is defined as three months' rent. 

• If the rental license of your building is revoked or cancelled by the City, you would be able to get relocation assistance
• If a rental license for your building is applied for but denied, you would be able to get relocation assistance
• If you live in naturally occurring affordable housing (see below) and your building is sold, you would be able to get relocation assistance if:
  • Your lease is ended without cause
  • You have to move due to a rent increase
  • You're re-screened by the new property owner and lose your housing

Naturally occurring affordable housing includes buildings with five or more units where at least 20% of the units are affordable to households earning less than 60% of area median income.

See the latest definition of median income for different households in our area.

Before a property owner can evict you for not paying rent, they have to give you notice letting you know what fees are due, setting a timeline for paying them, and who you can pay. This notice is required at least fourteen days before the eviction process begins. The fourteen days starts the day the notice is mailed or hand delivered to you.

After fourteen days, the property owner can start the eviction process if the total amount due isn't paid, or if you don't move from the property.

We have a list of legal, financial, and other resources for renters who are at risk of eviction.

Low-income renters in Minneapolis have the right to a lawyer in eviction cases. If your income is less than twice the federal poverty guideline, you can be represented by an attorney from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid at no cost to you. To get these services, complete the intake form below or call 1-800-292-4150. Contact for more information.

Access the online intake form for no-cost eviction legal assistance

The New Rules for Rental Screening & Security Deposits: Renter's Guide

This detailed PDF walks through the specifics of the ordinances in English and Spanish.

• Download the Renter's Guide (English)
• Download the Renter's Guide (Spanish)

Webinars

The City has hosted online discussions to explain renters' rights.

• English language renters' rights webinar
• Spanish language renters' rights webinar
• Renters' rights webinar for Housing Service Providers