How To Serve an Eviction Notice in Minnesota

How To Serve an Eviction Notice in Minnesota

Last Updated: June 4, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

In Minnesota, in order for the delivery of a lease termination or eviction notice to be legal, certain rules and procedures must be followed. If they are not and the case proceeds to court, the case may be postponed or dismissed by a judge.

Who Can Serve Eviction Notices in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, landlords can serve eviction notices and lease termination notices themselves. Landlords may choose to hire a sheriff, process server or independent party over eighteen (18) years old to serve an official notice, but they are not required to do so by law.

When Can Eviction Notices Be Served in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, lease termination and eviction notices can be served immediately on any day of the week and at any time of day.

For a 14 Day Notice to Quit for Unpaid Rent, the eviction notice for tenants that do not pay rent in full and on time, a landlord can serve notice the day after rent is due. There is no legal grace period for paying rent in Minnesota, rent is late starting the day after it’s due.

Acceptable Forms of Service in Minnesota

Minnesota’s eviction law only provides specific guidance for landlords delivering an initial written eviction notice related to nonpayment of rent, but these methods will be legally valid across most evictions: 

  1. Hand delivery to the tenant at the leased premises
  2. Delivery by mail to the tenant at the leased premises

Mailed notice extends a notice period by three (3) calendar days, to account for variable delivery times. Hand-delivered notice completed after 5:00PM local Minnesota time extends a notice period by one (1) calendar day.

Obtaining Proof of Service in Minnesota 

A landlord can demonstrate proof that a notice was delivered through the following methods:

  • Hand Delivery – by completing a Declaration of Service at the time of delivery
  • Mail – via a return receipt or certificate of mailing, plus completing a Declaration of Service at the time of mailing

Minnesota Eviction and Lease Termination Notice Forms

Notice Form Grounds
14 Day Notice To Quit for Unpaid Rent Eviction for Unpaid Rent
Notice To Comply or Vacate Eviction for Lease Violation
Notice To Vacate for Illegal Activity Eviction for Illegal Activity
Notice To Vacate for Unlawful Destruction Eviction for Unlawful Destruction
7 Day Notice To Vacate Ending a Weekly Lease
30 Day Notice To Vacate Ending a Monthly / Yearly Lease
60 Day Notice To Vacate Non-Renewal of Lease
90 Day Notice To Vacate Ending a Quarterly Lease

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