Minnesota Commercial Lease Agreement
A Minnesota commercial lease agreement is a legal contract that outlines the terms and conditions between a landlord and a business renting a space. This document is essential for both parties to understand their rights and obligations regarding the rental property.

Minnesota Commercial Lease Agreement
Key Components of a Commercial Lease Agreement
The agreement includes several critical components:
- Lease Length: Specifies the duration of the lease.
- Rent Amount: Details the rental payment required from the tenant.
- Security Deposit: Outlines the amount and conditions for the security deposit.
- Renewal Terms: Describes the conditions under which the lease may be renewed.
- Subleasing: Indicates whether the landlord permits the tenant to sublease the property.
- Exclusivity: Defines if the tenant has the exclusive right to conduct a specific type of business on the property.
Pre-Signing Verification
Before signing the lease agreement, both parties should ensure that the arrangement is beneficial:
- Landlord’s Responsibilities: The landlord can conduct tenant screening and verify the legitimacy of the business.
- Tenant’s Responsibilities: The tenant should inspect the property to confirm it is suitable for their operations.
Business Verification
To confirm that a business has the proper authorization to operate in Minnesota, a Minnesota Business Entity Search can be conducted. This search allows verification of the business’s legitimacy.
Legal Requirements
Rental Laws
The rental laws governing commercial leases in Minnesota are outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 336.2A-101.
Consumer Protection Laws
Consumer protection related to commercial leases is addressed in MN Stat § 336.2A-104.
Jurisdiction
According to MN Stat. § 336.2A-106, a lease is only valid in jurisdictions where:
- The lessee signed the lease.
- The lessee resides at the time the agreement becomes valid (or within 30 days thereafter).
- The goods are to be used.
Statutes
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.177 – Late Fees
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.178 – Interest on security deposits; withholding security deposits; damages; limit on withholding last month’s rent
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.118 – Receipt for rent paid in cash
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.173 – Applicant screening fee
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.175 – Prelease deposit
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.111 – Written lease required; penalty
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.115 – Tenant to be given copy of lease
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.145 – Restriction on automatic renewals of leases
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.425 – Judgment
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.172 – Recovery of attorney fees
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.135 – Terminating tenancy at will
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 (Subd 2) – Residential tenant’s right to privacy
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.211(Subd 4) – Residential tenant’s right to privacy
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 (Subd 5) – Residential tenant’s right to privacy
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 (Subd 6) – Residential tenant’s right to privacy
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.225 – Intentional ouster and interruption of utilities; misdemeanor
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.375 – Unlawful exclusion or removal; action for recovery of posession
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.381 – Emergency tenant remedies action
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.155 – Tenant must give cold weather notice before vacation of building
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.161 – Covenants of landlord or licensor
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.181 – Landlord or agent disclosure
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.195 – Disclosure required for outstanding inspection and condemnation orders
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.171 (Subd 1) – Covenant of landlord and tenant not to allow unlawful activities
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.171 (Subd 2) – Covenant of landlord and tenant not to allow unlawful activities
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.206 (Subd 1(b))
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.206 (Subd 3)
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.206 (Subd 4)
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.385 (Subd 2) – Rent escrow action to remedy violations
- Minn. Stat. § 504B.441 – Residential tenant may not be penalized for complaint
FAQs
A Minnesota commercial lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and a business that outlines the terms for renting a commercial space. It includes details such as the lease duration, rent amount, security deposit, renewal terms, and conditions regarding subleasing and exclusivity.
Before signing a commercial lease in Minnesota, landlords should conduct tenant screenings to verify the business’s legitimacy, while tenants should inspect the property to ensure it meets their operational needs.
You can confirm a business’s authorization to operate in Minnesota by using the Minnesota Business Entity Search database, which allows you to verify the legitimacy of the business.
Key rental laws for commercial leases in Minnesota are outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 336.2A-101, which provides the legal framework for lease agreements, including rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.
According to MN Stat. § 336.2A-106, a commercial lease is only valid in jurisdictions where the lessee signed the lease, resides at the time the agreement becomes valid, or where the goods are to be used.
Exclusivity in a commercial lease grants the tenant the exclusive right to conduct a specific type of business on the property, which can protect the tenant from competition within the same premises and enhance their business viability.
A Minnesota commercial lease agreement typically includes the lease length, rent amount, security deposit requirements, renewal terms, and conditions regarding subleasing and exclusivity rights.