🐾 Minnesota Pet & ESA Laws for Landlords
Your complete guide to pet policies, emotional support animal requirements under MHRA, and Fair Housing compliance for Minnesota rental properties
📋 Updated for • FCRA CompliantMinnesota offers landlords significant flexibility with no statutory cap on security deposits, combined with strong fair housing protections through the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). Whether you manage properties in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, or suburban communities, Minnesota’s detailed deposit return requirements and interest rules require careful attention.
This guide covers pet deposits under Minnesota Statutes § 504B.178, ESA accommodations under federal FHA and the MHRA (Minn. Stat. Chapter 363A), and pet policy guidance for Minnesota’s rental markets.
Minnesota has no cap on deposits but requires return within 21 days with interest (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178). Interest accrues at 1% simple annual rate. The MHRA provides broad protections—Minneapolis and St. Paul have additional local tenant protections. ESAs cannot be charged any fee.
💰 Minnesota Pet Deposit Laws & Fees
| Charge Type | Refundable? | Minnesota Limit | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🐕 Pet Deposit | Yes | No statutory limit | $250 – $500 |
| 💵 Pet Fee | No | No statutory limit | $200 – $400 |
| 📅 Monthly Pet Rent | No | No statutory limit | $25 – $50/month |
| 🦮 ESA Deposit/Fee | N/A | ❌ Not Permitted | $0 |
| 🐕🦺 Service Animal | N/A | ❌ Not Permitted | $0 |
📊 Minnesota Pet Deposit Market Analysis
Average Pet Deposits by Minnesota Area
Twin Cities metro commands highest deposits
Minnesota requires deposit return within 21 days with 1% simple annual interest (Minn. Stat. § 504B.178). Provide itemized deductions. Failure to return or provide accounting: landlord forfeits rights to withhold any portion and may owe the full deposit back. Minneapolis and St. Paul may have additional local requirements.
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The Minnesota Human Rights Act (Chapter 363A) provides broad disability protections. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights enforces state fair housing law.
- ESAs protected under FHA and MHRA
- No deposits, fees, or rent for ESAs
- MHRA covers more housing with fewer exemptions
- Breed/size/weight restrictions don’t apply
- Minneapolis and St. Paul have additional renter protections
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Learn How It Works💼 Minnesota Liability & Insurance
Minnesota follows a strict liability rule for dog bites under Minn. Stat. § 347.22—owners are liable regardless of prior knowledge.
Minnesota Dog Bite Claims Data
Insurance industry data for Minnesota
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🔗 Related Minnesota Resources
📚 Minnesota Legal Citations
- Security Deposits: Minn. Stat. § 504B.178
- Dog Bite Liability: Minn. Stat. § 347.22
- Minnesota Human Rights Act: Minn. Stat. Chapter 363A
- Fair Housing Act: 42 U.S.C. § 3604
- HUD Guidance: FHEO Notice 2020-01
This guide is for informational purposes only. Minnesota laws are subject to change. Minneapolis and St. Paul have additional local ordinances. Consult a qualified Minnesota attorney. Tenant Screening Background Check is not a law firm.
