Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 183 § 183.171
Limitations on waiver
Operative Text
(a) Prospective waiver prohibited. Any provision, whether oral or written, of a lease, contract or other agreement or instrument which purports to be a waiver by an individual or any right or remedy provided in this chapter is contrary to public policy and void if the waiver or release purports to waive claims arising out of acts or practices which occur after the execution of the waiver or release. (b) Rescission of waiver. A waiver or release of rights or remedies secured by this chapter which purports to apply to claims arising out of acts or practices prior to, or concurrent with, the execution of the waiver or release may be rescinded within fifteen (15) calendar days of its execution, except that a waiver or release given in settlement of a claim filed with the department or with another administrative agency or judicial body is valid and final upon execution. A waiving or releasing party shall be informed in writing of the right to rescind the waiver or release. To be effective, the rescission must be in writing and delivered to the waived or released party either by hand or mail within the fifteen-day period. If delivered by mail, the rescission must be: (1) Postmarked within the fifteen-day period; (2) Properly addressed to the waived or released party; and (3) Sent by certified mail return receipt requested.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.171 establishes two key limits on waivers of tenant rights under Chapter 183. First, any agreement—oral or written—that attempts to waive rights or remedies for conduct that hasn't yet occurred is automatically void as against public policy. Second, even a waiver covering past or concurrent conduct can be canceled within 15 calendar days of signing, provided the rescission is delivered in writing by hand or certified mail within that window—though waivers made as part of a formal settlement with a government agency or court are final once signed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.171, compliant operators understand that lease clauses or side agreements cannot strip tenants of Chapter 183 rights for future conduct—such provisions are unenforceable from the outset. When a waiver or release covering past or concurrent matters is obtained, operators should provide written notice to the other party of their 15-day right to rescind. Waivers executed as part of a formal settlement filed with the department or another administrative or judicial body are treated differently and become final upon execution.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.171 protects tenants from being locked into waivers of their Chapter 183 rights before a violation even occurs—any such prospective waiver is void and unenforceable. If a tenant has signed a waiver or release related to past or concurrent conduct, they generally have 15 calendar days to rescind it in writing, delivered by hand or certified mail with return receipt requested. Tenants who believe a waiver may affect their rights can explore options by contacting a local tenant-rights organization or the relevant department, keeping in mind that waivers signed as part of a formal agency or court settlement are treated as final.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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