MN HF4858

Financially unable tenants subject to eviction actions have the right to court-appointed counsel at no cost to the tenant.

Eviction complaint must include notice in bold 12-point type stating: "If financially unable to obtain counsel, the tenant has the right to a court-appointed attorney."

At the initial hearing, the court must ask if the tenant wants appointed counsel, explain what counsel may accomplish, and explain the service is provided at no cost.

Appointed counsel must have a minimum of two years' experience handling housing evictions, training and knowledge in housing evictions, or be supervised by an attorney meeting these qualifications.

Chief judge of each judicial district must establish annual compensation rates for appointed attorneys by January 15, 2023, and every year thereafter, not to exceed $5,000 per case unless certified as necessary for services of unusual character or duration.