Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF2273

Introduced
2/27/23  

Caption

Termination of lease upon loss of tenant income authorized, landlord obligations and liabilities modified, covenants modified, and recovery of costs authorized.

Impact

The implementation of HF2273 would significantly modify existing tenant and landlord obligations within Minnesota state law. By explicitly allowing lease termination for tenants who experience a loss of income, the bill introduces more flexibility and financial security for renters, potentially reducing evictions caused by financial distress. Landlords are also tasked with the responsibility of making reasonable efforts to re-rent abandoned units, highlighting a shift toward tenant-focused protections in housing policy.

Summary

House File 2273 aims to address significant issues in residential leasing by allowing tenants to terminate their leases upon loss of income. Under this bill, tenants or their representatives can terminate the lease by providing at least a 14-day written notice while ensuring that any longer notice periods required by existing agreements become void. This modification seeks to provide tenants with protective measures during economic instability, thus enhancing their rights in the leasing process.

Contention

Debate surrounding HF2273 reveals differing perspectives on tenant rights and landlord responsibilities. Proponents argue the bill is necessary to protect vulnerable renters from economic hardship, asserting that the ability to exit a lease without severe penalties enhances social stability. Conversely, opponents express concerns about landlords' financial security and the practicality of enforcing such provisions in the rental market. The balance between securing tenant protection and maintaining landlord rights remains a contentious point in legislative discussions.

Companion Bills

MN SF2031

Similar To Termination of lease authorization upon loss of income of tenant

Similar Bills

MN HF3591

Residential housing lease provisions amended; landlord and tenant rights and obligations provided; tenant screening provided; tenant associations provided; discrimination based on housing assistance prohibited; and landlord and tenant clarifying, technical, and conforming changes made.

MN SF3492

Residential housing tenant and landlord provisions modifications

MN HF4558

Residential buildings shared-metered utility service provided for and regulated.

MN SF4579

Single-metered utility service in residential buildings regulations and provisions modifications

MN SF1298

Housing provisions modifications

MN SF2031

Termination of lease authorization upon loss of income of tenant

MN SF2234

Termination of lease authorization upon loss of income of tenant

MN SF5448

Shared-metered utility service in residential buildings regulations provisions