Minn. Stat. § 504B § 504B.101
DISTRESS FOR RENT.
Operative Text
The remedy of distress for rent is abolished.
Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.101, the legal remedy known as "distress for rent" — a historical practice that allowed landlords to seize a tenant's personal property as security for unpaid rent — no longer exists in Minnesota. The statute abolishes this remedy entirely, meaning no party may invoke it to collect rent or enforce a lease obligation. This represents a clear legislative choice to remove a once-recognized common-law tool from Minnesota landlord-tenant law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers in Minnesota should be aware that Minn. Stat. § 504B.101 eliminates distress for rent as a collection option. Compliant operators pursuing unpaid rent rely instead on available legal remedies such as eviction proceedings or civil court actions for damages. Attempting to seize a tenant's belongings as a form of rent collection would fall outside the bounds of Minnesota law.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. Stat. § 504B.101 protects tenants in Minnesota by abolishing the remedy of distress for rent, meaning a landlord has no legal authority to seize personal property to satisfy an unpaid rent obligation. If a landlord attempts to take or hold personal belongings in connection with a rent dispute, that action is not supported by this provision of Minnesota law. Tenants who believe their property rights have been violated may consider contacting a tenant-rights organization or consulting with a legal aid office to understand what remedies may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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