Minnesota Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
A Minnesota rent-to-own agreement is a legal contract that allows a tenant to enter into a traditional lease while also providing the option to purchase the landlord’s property at the end of the rental period. This type of agreement is beneficial for landlords who wish to sell their property but may not have found a buyer immediately. It also assists tenants in determining if they want to pursue homeownership.

Minnesota Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Key Components of the Agreement
-
Traditional Lease Terms:
- Duration of the lease
- Tenant’s monthly payments
- Responsibilities of each party
-
Purchase Option:
- Purchase price of the property
- Option-to-buy deposit
- Timeframe in which the tenant can agree to purchase the property
Additional Documentation
It is advisable for landlords to use:
- A rental application to screen potential tenants.
- A real estate purchase agreement when transitioning from renting to owning.
Relevant Laws
- Landlord-Tenant Laws: Chapter 504B (Landlord and Tenant)
- Purchase Agreement Laws:
- Chapter 507 (Recording and Filing Conveyances)
- Chapter 513 (Agreements Relating to Property)
This documentation outlines the essential aspects of landlord and tenant laws in Minnesota, specifically focusing on rent-to-own agreements. It includes relevant legal citations and provides a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved in such agreements.
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 rent-to-own agreement is a legal contract that allows a tenant to enter a traditional lease while also having the option to purchase the property at the end of the rental period. This agreement benefits landlords looking to sell their property and tenants considering homeownership.
Key components of a Minnesota rent-to-own agreement include the lease duration, monthly payments, responsibilities of both parties, the purchase price, the option-to-buy deposit, and the timeframe in which the tenant can agree to purchase the property.
A rent-to-own agreement benefits landlords by allowing them to sell their property while still generating rental income. It provides a structured path to homeownership for tenants, potentially leading to a sale without the need for immediate buyers.
Landlord-tenant relationships in Minnesota are governed by Chapter 504B, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Additionally, Chapters 507 and 513 cover laws related to property conveyance and purchase agreements.
Before entering into a rent-to-own agreement, landlords should screen potential tenants using a rental application and prepare a real estate purchase agreement for the transition from renting to owning. This ensures clarity and legal compliance.
A tenant can exercise their option to purchase the property during the period specified in the rent-to-own agreement. This timeframe is typically outlined in the contract and may vary based on the terms agreed upon by both parties.