Minn. Stat. § 504B § 504B.155
TENANT MUST GIVE COLD WEATHER NOTICE BEFORE VACATION OF BUILDING.
Operative Text
Except upon the termination of the tenancy, a tenant who, between November 15 and April 15, removes from, abandons, or vacates a building or any part thereof that contains plumbing, water, steam, or other pipes liable to injury from freezing, without first giving to the landlord three days' notice of intention so to remove is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.155, a tenant who leaves or abandons a property during the winter heating season—between November 15 and April 15—without first giving the landlord at least three days' notice is committing a misdemeanor under Minnesota law. This rule applies specifically to buildings containing plumbing, water, steam, or other pipes that could be damaged by freezing temperatures. The notice requirement does not apply when a tenancy is formally ending; it is aimed at mid-tenancy departures or abandonments.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Minn. Stat. § 504B.155, compliant property operators generally maintain clear communication channels so tenants know how and where to deliver the required three-day winter vacancy notice. Keeping written records of any notices received between November 15 and April 15 helps document whether the statutory requirement was met. If a tenant vacates without notice during this period and pipe damage results, the existence of this provision may be relevant to any subsequent claim for damages.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. Stat. § 504B.155 places a legal obligation on tenants who plan to leave or stop occupying a property mid-tenancy during the winter months—November 15 through April 15—to give the landlord at least three days' written notice beforehand. Failing to provide this notice when the building contains freeze-prone pipes can result in a misdemeanor charge. Tenants who have questions about what qualifies as proper notice, or who face a situation involving this provision, may wish 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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