Hennepin County, MN Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

471.9996 RENT CONTROL PROHIBITED. Subdivision 1. In general. No statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town may adopt or renew by ordinance or otherwise any law to control rents on private residential property except as provided in subdivision 2. This section does not impair the right of any statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town: (1) to manage or control property in which it has a financial interest through a housing authority or similar agency; (2) to contract with a property owner; (3) to act as required or authorized by laws or regulations of the United States government or this state; or (4) to mediate between property owners and tenants for the purpose of negotiating rents. Subd. 2. Exception. Subdivision 1 does not preclude a statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town from controlling rents on private residential property to the extent that the city, county, or town has the power to adopt an ordinance, charter amendment, or law to control these rents if the ordinance, charter amendment, or law that controls rents is approved in a general election. Subdivision 1 does not limit any power or authority of the voters of a statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town to petition for an ordinance or charter amendment to control rents on private residential property to the extent that the power or authority is otherwise provided for by law, and if the ordinance or charter amendment is approved in a general election.