Landlord - Tenant Rights During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Landlord - Tenant Law During Covid-19

The Covid-19 Pandemic has brought with it many significant changes to Minnesota Landlord-Tenant law, particularly in the area of evictions. While prior to the Pandemic, landlords were able to bring evictions for a variety of lease breaches, Governor Walz recently issued Executive Order 20-79 which has greatly limited evictions during the Pandemic. The issuance of Executive Order 20-79 has also brought with it a great deal of misinformation and confusion concerning the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants during the Pandemic.

Do Tenants Still Have to Pay Rent?

Yes. Tenants are still obligated to pay rent as normal. If a tenant does not pay rent, their landlord can take them to Court and potentially obtain a judgment against the tenant for the unpaid amount. There has been some confusion among many landlords and tenants about this issue during the Pandemic. Nothing in Executive Order 20-79 limits the amount of rent that is due or ends tenant’s obligations to pay rent. Tenants should understand that even if the landlord may not evict them for unpaid rent, they could face serious civil liability for failing to pay rent.

Can a Landlord Evict Tenants?

In some cases. While most evictions are prohibited under Executive Order 20-79, landlords may still evict tenants in some specific cases, such as if the tenant has caused significant property damage or has seriously endangered other tenants. If you have questions on whether or not an eviction may take place, it is important to contact an experienced Minnesota landlord-tenant attorney as soon as possible.

What Happens After the Pandemic?

This is a difficult question to answer. Executive Order 20-79 has been consistently extended and will likely continue to be extended for the foreseeable future. However, once Executive Order 20-79 does end, landlords will be able to evict tenants as they did prior to the Pandemic. This is particularly important considering tenants who have missed rent payments during the Pandemic. If tenants are behind on rent, a landlord may be able to evict them once Executive Order 20-79 expires. It is important for both landlords and tenants to prepare for the end of the Pandemic and ensure that they have complied with all of their duties and obligations under the lease.

The advent of the Covid-19 Pandemic has brought about a great deal of confusion in the area of landlord-tenant law. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand their legal rights and obligations during the Pandemic. The attorneys at RAM Law PLLC are experienced with the workings of Executive Order 20-79 and Minnesota landlord-tenant law during the Covid-19 Pandemic. If you have questions concerning evictions or other landlord-tenant matters during the Pandemic, call the landlord-tenant attorneys at RAM Law PLLC to set up a consultation.