Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN Rental Property Rules: Tenant Anti-Harassment (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State retaliation rule
Minn. Stat. § 504B.441
Local enforcement
DSI license action
Civil-rights overlay
MN Human Rights Act
Tenant remedy
Rent escrow + damages

Summary

Saint Paul tenants are protected from landlord harassment by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and city rental-licensing rules requiring landlords to provide quiet enjoyment and avoid retaliatory conduct.

504B.441 RESIDENTIAL TENANT MAY NOT BE PENALIZED FOR COMPLAINT. A residential tenant may not be evicted, nor may the residential tenant's obligations under a lease be increased or the services decreased, if the eviction or increase of obligations or decrease of services is intended as a penalty for the residential tenant's or housing-related neighborhood organization's complaint of a violation. The burden of proving otherwise is on the landlord if the eviction or increase of obligations or decrease of services occurs within 90 days after filing the complaint, unless the court finds that the complaint was not made in good faith. After 90 days the burden of proof is on the residential tenant. History: 1999 c 199 art 1 s 67

Source: Minnesota StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Although Saint Paul does not have a standalone tenant-anti-harassment ordinance like Los Angeles, tenants are shielded by overlapping rules. Minn. Stat. § 504B.441 bars retaliation against tenants who report code violations or assert rights. Chapter 504B requires landlords to maintain habitable premises and respect quiet enjoyment. The Minnesota Human Rights Act adds protected-class coverage. Saint Paul DSI may treat documented harassment as grounds for adverse rental-license action, including suspension or revocation under chronic-nuisance review. Tenants can also pursue rent-escrow and damages actions in state court.

Violations & Fines

Documented harassment, repeated illegal entry, threats, or retaliatory shutoffs, can support license action plus tenant lawsuits for damages and possession protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord shut off utilities to push me out?
No. Minn. Stat. § 504B.221 bars unlawful exclusion and utility shutoffs as eviction tools, with strong tenant remedies including immediate restoration.
What if my landlord retaliates after I report a code issue?
Retaliatory eviction or rent hikes within 90 days of a report are presumptively illegal under Minn. Stat. § 504B.441.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Saint Paul

Security Deposit RulesSome RestrictionsRent Increase NoticeSome RestrictionsRepairs & HabitabilitySome RestrictionsRent ControlSignificant RestrictionsRental RegistrationSome RestrictionsJust Cause EvictionLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Saint Paul rules

Compare Saint Paul to another location·View the Minnesota rental property rules overview

Get notified when Tenant Anti-Harassment in Saint Paul, MN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.