1. HOME Line Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Conference
October 12, 2016
Attorney Michael Vraa

2. HOME Line Books Each Available today for $20

3. Applications Screening Purpose: Application Fees Criminal Background
Rental History
Credit History
Income Requirement
Application Fees
Written Criteria
Landlord has to go in order

4. Discrimination Protected Classes Not Protected Special Protection
Race, color, creed, gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, public assistance---throughout entire state
City Protection: Saint Paul (Age, Ancestry), Mpls. (Age, Ancestry, Gender Identity)
Not Protected
Personal Animosity, Packers fans
Special Protection
New Child in Family

5. Eviction Basics History of “self-help” Purpose of an eviction
Execution of Writ of Recovery of Premises Order to Vacate (Minn. Stat. § 504B.365)
Ultimate goal of any eviction – possession, not $$
Winner gets the apartment

6. Reasons for Evictions Non-payment of Rent Holding Over
Drugs/Guns/Prostitution/Contraband
Other Breaches (Lease Violations)
Must be “Material Breach”
Lease allows eviction for the breach (re-entry clause)
Unauthorized Occupant

7. Defenses to Non-Payment Evictions
Redemption
Can be guarantee from Emergency Assistance
Settlement Agreement
When do these happen
Common versions

8. Repair Basics Covenants of Habitability
Code compliant
Fit for the use intended
In reasonable repair
Asserting rights to repair the Tenant can
Call inspector
Write 14-day letter: letters/repair-request-2/

9. Bedbugs Bedbugs versus other infestations
Who’s responsible for making and paying for repairs?
Can tenants choose the type of treatment?
Bedbug addendums that specifically make a tenant responsible?

10. Deductions from Security Deposits
Landlord can only deduct for physical damages beyond “ordinary wear and tear”
Landlord does not have to paint or change carpets between tenants
If debt still owed by tenant