Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Minnesota

So we moved in here on June 1st 2013 then was told the owner was selling the property. The new owners bought the place on 9/30/2013 but didn't get a renters license until 12/4/2013. My cousin lives with us and is responsible for 1/4 of the rent. (rent is $1,200 a month) She was applying for emergency assistance or something to pay her portion. Well they wouldn't pay until the landlord got a rental license (we gave them the number to call to get it when we first found out they didn't have one). Finally on 12/24/13 they came to discuss everything (with an interpreter because they don't speak much English) and we made a verbal agreement to pay $300 every week (we get paid on Thursdays), they came back Friday to collect the 1st payment like agreed, gave us a receipt THEN gave us a 30 day notice to move out! Saying we needed to pay for October and November and acting like we were trying to screw them over! Do we owe them rent for the time they didn't have a rental license? And if so, why?


Asked on 1/28/14, 4:26 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Morgan Kavanaugh Wilkerson & Hegna, PLLP

You probably still owe back rent. But it might depend on the local licensing ordinance. Often times those local licensing ordinances provide a fine or some other penalty against the landlord, but that doesn't get you out of paying the rent that's owed. Perhaps there is a local ordinance that states if they are not licensed, they cannot collect right, so it depends on what the local ordinance says. As to the move out notice, it depends on what your lease says. You should hire an attorney to review your specific situation further.

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Answered on 1/28/14, 7:50 am
Tricia Dwyer Tricia Dwyer Esq & Assoc PLLC

Generally, a fine may be imposed by the local government authority for failure to maintain proper licensure. You should secure an attorney so she/he can advise you as to your personal issues. You may contact me. Tricia Dwyer Esq at 612-296-9666, Tricia Dwyer Esq & Assoc PLLC, Minnesota Tenant Rights Attorney, http://dwyerlawfirm.net

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Answered on 1/30/14, 7:16 am


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