MN HF3259

Requires utilities, municipalities, and home heating fuel suppliers to post notice of impending service disconnection in at least one conspicuous building location when a landlord fails to pay for services.

Notice must include the disconnection date, utility contact number, description of tenant rights to continue or restore service, and advice to seek legal assistance.

Tenants must give landlords 48 hours oral or written notice of intent to pay (or shorter period if reasonable), with written confirmation within 24 hours if notification was oral.

For natural gas or electricity in buildings with fewer than five units, a tenant may become the customer of record by agreeing to pay current charges for the most recent billing period; utilities must restore service for at least one billing period.

Tenants may deduct documented utility payments from future rent payments to the landlord and are protected from deposit requirements; payments are considered rent payment under Minnesota law.