Agents appearance on behalf of corporations and limited liability companies in eviction actions authorization provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Holmstrom and 3 co-sponsors

Allows corporate or LLC landlords to be represented by agents in eviction actions, with a power-of-authority form attached to the filing.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety

#corporationsandpartnerships #legalproceedings #landlordsandtenants

Purpose and intent

The bill would authorize agents to appear on behalf of landlords that are corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs) in eviction actions brought under Minnesota's eviction statutes (Chapter 504B).

The change clarifies and expands who may represent corporate or LLC landlords in eviction proceedings, potentially increasing efficiency in filing and prosecuting eviction cases.

Key provisions

Section 504B.317 – Agents; Power of Authority to File Eviction Action

In eviction actions, an agent may appear on behalf of a landlord that is a corporation or an LLC.
The agent must attach a copy of a power of authority form to the eviction complaint at the time of filing.
This provision applies notwithstanding any contrary law or rule.
Effective date: August 1, 2026.
Applicability: Eviction actions filed on or after August 1, 2026.

Who is affected

Landlords that are corporations or LLCs engaged in eviction actions under Minnesota’s Chapter 504B.

Attorneys, agents, or other representatives authorized to file and appear in eviction proceedings on behalf of corporate/LLC landlords, who will need to manage the required power of authority documentation.

Procedural and timing aspects

Implementation date: August 1, 2026.

For actions filed on or after August 1, 2026, the eviction complaint must include a power of authority form attached by the agent representing the corporate/LLC landlord.

The bill does not alter substantive eviction standards or defenses; it changes who may appear and the filing documentation requirements.

Practical impact and considerations

Efficiency and caseload management: Allowing corporate/LLC agents to appear could streamline case processing for landlords with corporate/LLC ownership structures.

Documentation burden: Requires consistent handling of “power of authority” forms to accompany filings, potentially increasing initial filing requirements for agents.

Compliance: Courts will need to accept filings with attached power-of-authority documents and verify the authority of the presenting agent.

Summary table (at a glance)

What it does: Lets agents represent corporate/LLC landlords in eviction actions; requires power-of-authority form with the complaint.

When it takes effect: August 1, 2026.

What is required at filing: Attach a copy of the power-of-authority form to the eviction complaint.

Scope: Applied to eviction actions under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 504B.

Sponsors: Holmstrom, Kreun, Westrom, Limmer (and co-sponsors).

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current practice or draft a one-page briefing for stakeholders (landlords, tenants, and court staff) highlighting steps to comply with the new requirement.

Bill