Minnesota Eviction Notice for Nonpayment of Rent: The 14-Day Notice
In Minnesota a landlord must give a written notice listing what is owed and 14 days to pay or move before filing for unpaid rent. Here is what the notice must say, how it is delivered, how the days are counted and how a tenant can stop the case.
What is the Minnesota notice before an eviction for unpaid rent?
Before bringing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent or another unpaid financial obligation, a landlord must give the tenant a written notice that states the total due and a specific accounting of unpaid rent, late fees and other charges, the name and address of the person authorized to receive rent, and statements about free legal help and financial help; the notice must say the landlord can file if the tenant does not pay or move out within 14 days from the date of the notice (Minn. Stat. 504B.321, subd. 1a). The Minnesota eviction notice calculator counts the days.
How must it be delivered?
Personally or by first-class mail to the residential tenant at the address of the leased premises (504B.321, subd. 1a(b)). If the tenant does not correct the delinquency or vacate within 14 days of the delivery or mailing, or the longer period a local government requires, the landlord may file (subd. 1a(c)).
What happens if the landlord skips it?
The complaint must attach a copy of the notice, and the court dismisses an action without prejudice for failure to provide it and grants an expungement of the eviction case file (504B.321, subd. 1(d)). The notice also counts as verification of an emergency for county rent assistance (subd. 1b).
How are the 14 days counted?
The first day is excluded and the last included, and a last day on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday is omitted (Minn. Stat. 645.15). A notice delivered on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 ends on Wednesday, October 28, so the landlord can file on Thursday, October 29. A city may require a longer period, so check the local rule.
Can the tenant stop the case by paying?
Yes. In an eviction action for nonpayment, unless the landlord also alleges a material lease violation, the tenant may, at any time before possession has been delivered, redeem the tenancy and be restored to possession by paying the rent in arrears with interest, the costs of the action and an attorney fee not to exceed $5, and performing the lease covenants. A written guarantee from a government agency or a qualifying nonprofit administering rental assistance also works (504B.291).
What can a tenant raise in court?
A rebuttable presumption that rent was paid arises from money-order copies or stubs that total the rent and match the due date (504B.291). A tenant may raise retaliation if a notice to quit was meant as a penalty for a good-faith complaint or attempt to enforce rights, with the burden on the landlord if it was served within 90 days of the tenant’s act (504B.285). A federal 30-day notice may apply to a covered dwelling (15 U.S.C. 9058(c)).
What a tenant can do with the 14 days
Check the amount against your own records. Pay in a way that leaves a record, and ask the county or tribal social services office, an online benefits site or 2-1-1 about assistance the same day. The notice itself counts as verification of an emergency for county assistance, so keep it. Call legal aid before the 14 days end.
What a landlord should check
The notice must be written, list the total due and an accounting of rent, late fees and other charges, name the person who receives rent, include the two required statements, and be delivered personally or by first-class mail to the rental address. Keep proof, and attach the notice to the complaint.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the notice for nonpayment in Minnesota?
Fourteen days, or longer if the city requires it.
What must the notice say?
The total due, an accounting, the payee’s name and address and two required statements.
How is the notice delivered?
Personally or by first-class mail to the rental address.
Can I pay and stay?
Yes, any time before possession is delivered, with interest, costs and up to $5 in fees.
What if the landlord has no notice?
The court dismisses the case without prejudice.
Official sources
- Minn. Stat. 504B.321: complaint and summons
- Minn. Stat. 504B.291: nonpayment; redemption
- Minn. Stat. 504B.285: grounds; retaliation defense
- Minn. Stat. 645.15: computation of time
A local landlord-tenant attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Minnesota statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Minnesota attorney.