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SF 4947

Permit termination of lease upon loss of income of tenant

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Boldon and 4 co-sponsors

The bill lets a tenant terminate a lease without penalties if they experience an involuntary loss of income.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 4947

Summary of SF 4947 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Overview

SF 4947 proposes to permit the termination of a residential lease by the landlord or the party responsible for the lease if the tenant experiences a loss of income. The bill is in its introductory stage and has been referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety committees as of April 7, 2026. The sponsors include a number of legislators who have added co-sponsors to the measure.

  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Bill Title: Permit termination of lease upon loss of income of tenant
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Action History: Introduction and first reading on 2026-04-07; referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
  • Co-sponsors: Liz Boldon, Doron Clark, Zaynab Mohamed, Lindsey Port, Clare Oumou Verbeten

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to allow lease termination when a tenant suffers a loss of income. While the precise statutory language is not provided in the summary, the intent appears to be creating a mechanism for tenants to exit a lease without penalty or with limited penalties if their income declines to a level that makes rental obligations unaffordable. The bill aims to address housing instability for tenants facing income disruption by providing a pathway to terminate the lease.

Key Provisions (Proposed)

Given the bill’s title and typical structure for lease-termination provisions, the following elements are commonly expected in such legislation (note: the specific text of SF 4947 is not provided here; these are probable provisions based on the bill’s purpose):

  • Eligibility Criteria

    • A tenant (or household member) must experience an involuntary loss of income to qualify.
    • The loss of income might be defined by a minimum percentage drop in earnings, unemployment status, or documented income interruption.

  • Notice and Documentation

    • The tenant may be required to provide written notice of intent to terminate the lease within a specified timeframe.
    • Documentation standards may apply (e.g., employer notification, unemployment benefits letter, pay stubs).

  • Termination Terms

    • The lease could be terminated without penalties or with limited penalties (e.g., a shortened notice period, forfeiture of a security deposit, or prorated rent due).
    • The effective termination date would likely be specified (e.g., within 14–30 days of notice, or at the end of the current rental period).

  • Landlord Obligations and Remedies

    • Landlords would be prohibited from imposing penalties beyond those specified and must honor the termination if criteria are met.
    • Potential protections against retaliatory action or unlawful eviction in relation to the termination.

  • Non-discrimination and Fair Housing

    • Provisions may reinforce compliance with fair housing laws, ensuring that termination rights are applied equitably.

  • Relationship to Other Provisions

    • Interaction with existing lease terms, security deposits, and any state-mandated tenant protections.
    • Possible alignment with procedures for rent arrears, late fees, or renewal terms.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Tenants experiencing a verified loss of income, enabling them to terminate their current lease without facing excessive penalties.
  • Landlords and property managers who would need to process terminations under the new rules.
  • Housing agencies or courts (if applicable) implementing and enforcing the new termination rights.
  • Potentially rental markets or housing stability programs that respond to income volatility.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and read for the first time on 2026-04-07.
  • Committee referrals: Judiciary and Public Safety.
  • Next steps typically include hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the relevant committees and full chamber (House/Senate, depending on Minnesota structure for SF bills).

Practical Considerations

  • Clarity on eligibility thresholds (how much income loss qualifies) and required documentation will be critical for predictable implementation.
  • Safeguards against misuse (e.g., false claims of income loss) may be important.
  • Impact on tenant mobility, housing stability, and landlord planning (especially for properties with high turnover).

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical elements associated with “permit termination of lease upon loss of income” provisions. The exact statutory language would provide precise definitions, timelines, and procedural requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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