What If Your Minneapolis Duplex Is A Site Of Domestic Violence?

The death of two police officers and a paramedic in a shooting in Burnsville over the weekend was on the minds of many of us.

The first responders arrived at the residence in response to a domestic dispute.

After the initial shock and sadness, I remembered that domestic violence happens in properties in all neighborhoods, and among all demographic groups. It happens among those who own their own homes and to our tenants.

If we have a resident in a property who is a victim of domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, or stalking, who fears being harmed if they and their family remain on the premises, the tenant may terminate the lease prematurely.

To do so, the tenant must notify the housing provider of their need to terminate the lease due to the fear of imminent violence of they remain. The notice must contain the date by which they will vacate, instructions as to what to do with any remaining personal property, and be delivered in person or by mail or fax along with a qualifying document.

A qualifying document may be an order of protection, no contact order, a court document stating the tenant is a victim of domestic violence or harrassment. It may also be a statement from a licensed health care professional, domestic abuse advocate or sexual assault counselor.

While the housing provider may ask for a name of the perpetrator, the victim in under no obligation to provide it.

They must, however, pay the balance of rent owed for the month and forfeit their security deposit. Any previous money owed the landlord up to that date will still be owed after the resident has moved out.

It may be obvious, but of course, the housing provider may not share any information whatsoever with anyone about where the tenant may have relocated to, nor any information from the qualifying document with anyone.

It takes a great deal of courage to leave an abusive situation. As housing providers, it’s important we do our best to help make that process a bit easier.

The complete Minnesota state statute may be found here.