What is a lease violation?

Disclaimer: This page does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you have a claim, please find a licensed attorney for landlord-tenant law in Minnesota.

A "violation" for purposes of the landlord - tenant act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B) is defined as any of the following three types of acts or omissions. Note that the words between quotation marks and brackets are just summarizing terms and phrases, not the law verbatim.

1. "code violation" -- a violation of any state, county or city health, safety, housing, building, fire prevention, or housing maintenance code applicable to the building;
2. "violation of part of the warranty of habitability (WOH) or certain crime" -- a violation of any of the covenants set forth in section 504B.161, subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2) [first two aspects of the WOH - fit for intended purpose and/or keep premises in reasonable repair] or the covenant(s) set out in section 504B.171, subdivision 1 [not allowing a variety of crimes, including drug use/possession/sales, prostitution, storing stolen property, unlawful possession/use of firearms, domestic assault, criminal sexual conduct, harassment, etc.]; or
3. "genuine violation of any other part of the lease" -- a violation of an oral or written agreement, lease, or contract for the rental of a dwelling in a building.