When Minneapolis Duplex Tenants Have To Let You In

Many Minneapolis duplex, triplex or fourplex owners worry about tenants’ reactions when they think about selling.

Most of the time the worry is that the tenants will leave because the property is for sale. Truth be told, they can’t if they have a current lease. And, odds are, that won’t be the biggest hassle with the residents.

Showings will be. That’s why it’s important for them to have a clear understanding of what to expect, before the duplex even goes on the market.

Tenants afraid of losing their place to live or large rent increases due to a change in ownership often rebel.  They may do this by refusing showings, not picking up their unit, or being belligerent with ownership, the listing agent, or occasionally even Realtors showing the property.

Ironically, this behavior could cost them the very thing they’re fighting hard to save; where they live.

Minnesota landlord tenant law states an owner may enter a tenants unit for a “reasonable business purpose”, provided a good faith effort was made to provide 24 hour notice.

Reasonable business purposes include things like showing the unit or building to a prospective buyer, an insurance agent, or even a new tenant.

Owners may also enter to let people like housing inspectors and maintenance works in. They may also enter to investigate a disturbance, check for lease violations (including people staying there who aren’t on the lease), and for the condition of a unit once the tenant has moved out.

Refusal to allow showings, or entry, can be grounds for an eviction. Worse yet, if you’re a seller, it can result in selling for less than you might have had the tenant been more accommodating, or even not selling at all.

When tenants know what to expect when a property goes on the market, things usually end better for everybody involved.