MN SF4316

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

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

Courts must ask tenants at the initial hearing if they want appointed counsel, explain what counsel can accomplish, and explain the service is free.

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

Chief judges in each judicial district must establish annual compensation rates for appointed attorneys by January 15, 2023, and annually thereafter, with compensation capped at $5,000 per case unless the chief judge certifies higher payment is necessary for unusual circumstances.