WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 4105

Tenants right provision to repair violations in a residential rental unit

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Boldon and 2 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill allows tenants to pay for landlord-neglected housing repairs and deduct costs from rent, bypassing lengthy legal processes.

Author added Champion
#landlordsandtenants
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 4105

Legislative bill overview

SF 4105 establishes a "repair and deduct" provision allowing residential tenants in Minnesota to directly pay for repairs of housing code violations and deduct those costs from rent payments, rather than waiting for landlords to make repairs. The bill aims to give tenants a legal remedy when landlords fail to maintain habitable living conditions.

Why is this important

Housing code violations—such as broken heating, plumbing, or structural issues—directly affect tenant health and safety. Currently, tenants must rely on formal complaint processes or withhold rent (which can trigger eviction), leaving them vulnerable. This provision would provide faster remedies and incentivize landlord compliance without requiring court intervention.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord concerns: Property owners worry tenants may abuse the provision by hiring expensive contractors, disputing repair necessity, or using it to avoid legitimate rent payments under the guise of repairs
  • Verification and documentation standards: The bill's requirements for what constitutes a valid violation, which contractors qualify, and how tenants prove repairs were needed could significantly affect implementation
  • Financial impact on small landlords: Particularly in lower-income rental markets, forcing immediate repair costs could strain smaller property owners' ability to maintain affordability or continue operations

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

Sign in to ask a question.