HF4541 Summary

• Prohibits residential landlords from charging late fees for rent payments and from terminating or nonrenewing rental agreements during a declared public health emergency related to COVID-19.

• Requires landlords to provide 30 days' written notice before filing eviction after a public health emergency ends, and courts must dismiss eviction cases if a violation is found without requiring tenants to pay filing fees.

• Suspends mortgage foreclosure proceedings, contract for deed terminations, and notices of pendency during a declared public health emergency, except for actions protecting bond holders under Minnesota Statutes chapter 462A.

• Appropriates $100,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for emergency housing assistance grants to individuals, families, and homeowners unable to pay rent, mortgage, utilities, or property taxes due to the COVID-19 emergency.

• Establishes eligibility requirements for emergency assistance based on payment obligations dating to March 1, 2020 or later, inability to pay due to the public health emergency, and household income at or below 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

• Requires reporting by October 15, 2021 on program performance and establishes criminal penalties for fraudulent claims or false applications for assistance.