In Minnesota, tenants have the right to withhold rent if their landlord fails to make serious repairs or if a code violation occurs.
§ 504B. 385, subd. 5(d) (2023). The landlord can take legal action to evict the tenant if the tenant does not deposit the full amount of rent in escrow with the court administrator.
Call a Housing Inspector Ask for a copy of their report. In Minneapolis, call 3-1-1. In St. Paul, call (651) 266-8989.
Can You Withhold Rent in Minnesota? The only case in which a tenant may withhold rent in Minnesota is under the repair and deduct statute.
Can you withhold rent? Tenants often ask if they can withhold rent if a landlord does not make repairs. No, you cannot withhold your rent because your landlord doesn't make repairs. In Ohio, you should use the rent escrow process instead.