Minn. Stat. § 504B § 504B.125
PERSON IN POSSESSION LIABLE FOR RENT; EVIDENCE.
Operative Text
Every person in possession of land out of which any rent is due, whether it was originally demised in fee, or for any other estate of freehold or for any term of years, shall be liable for the amount or proportion of rent due from the land in possession, although it be only a part of the land originally demised. Such rent may be recovered in a civil action, and the deed, demise, or other instrument showing the provisions of the lease may be used in evidence by either party to prove the amount due from the defendant. Nothing herein contained shall deprive landlords of any other legal remedy for the recovery of rent, whether secured to them by their leases or provided by law.
Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.125, any person who occupies land from which rent is owed is responsible for that rent, even if they only hold a portion of the originally leased property. The rule applies regardless of whether the original lease was for a fee interest, a freehold estate, or a term of years. Landlords may bring a civil action to recover the rent owed, and lease documents can be introduced as evidence by either side to establish the amount due.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Minn. Stat. § 504B.125 gives property owners a statutory basis to pursue rent from whoever is currently in possession of the land, not just the original tenant who signed the lease. Compliant operators typically maintain clear lease documentation—deeds, demises, or other instruments—that can be introduced in a civil action to establish the amount owed. This provision also preserves any other legal remedies available under the lease or Minnesota law, so operators generally review all available recovery options when rent goes unpaid.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. Stat. § 504B.125 establishes that a person in possession of only part of an originally leased property can still be held liable for the proportionate share of rent due from that portion. Tenants who receive a rent-recovery claim under this provision have the right to present lease documents as evidence on their own behalf in any civil action. Those with questions about how this rule applies to their tenancy may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Minnesota housing law.
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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