Establish temporary eviction protections under the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule.

 

The purpose of this Act is to extend the protections of the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule to include non-essential

residential evictions during the winter months, thereby protecting residents from exposure to extreme cold that

endangers their health and safety.

 

Minnesota experiences harsh winters, with average temperatures regularly falling between 8°F and 18°F (Minnesota

Department of Natural Resources, 2023). These conditions pose significant dangers to vulnerable residents, particularly

those experiencing homelessness. Each year, an estimated 8,000 Minnesotans face homelessness, with approximately 23%

spending the night outdoors due to lack of available shelter space (Minnesota Housing Report, 2023). Research

consistently shows that people experiencing homelessness face a mortality rate nearly three times higher than that of

the general population, and prolonged exposure to severe cold dramatically heightens this risk (National Alliance to End

Homelessness, 2022). These factors underscore the urgent need for strengthened winter protections to prevent avoidable

harm and deaths during Minnesota’s coldest months.

 

1. Non-essential evictions - any evictions not related to criminal activity, threats to safety, or property damage.

2. Cold Weather Period - October 1st to April 15th, consistent with Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule.

 

This Act will be funded through an allocation from the Minnesota state budget, establishing a specific fund within the

Minnesota Department of Human Services. The fund will be used to provide direct financial assistance to local

governments and non-profit organizations for the implementation of eviction prevention services during the cold weather

period (October 1st to April 15th). The allocation will be reviewed annually to ensure sufficient resources are

available.

 

During the cold weather period, no landlord may proceed with a non-essential eviction filing or enforce a pre-existing

eviction judgment for non-payment or non-essential lease breaches unless the tenant has been offered and failed to

negotiate a reasonable payment plan. If a landlord violates this provision, the enforcement process shall follow the

same corrective procedure as the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule for utility disconnection.

 

This Act will take effect at the start of the next cold weather period.