A Tenant’s Right to Call for Help

Yes, you have the right to call for police or emergency help to your home. You can call because of domestic abuse, sexual assault or any other conduct. You can also call for yourself or a family member who needs help with a mental health issue.

No. Your landlord cannot limit the number of emergency calls you make. They can’t forbid you from calling the police or emergency services.

No. You can’t be punished for calling the police or for seeking emergency help even if your lease says you can be punished. For example, your landlord can’t evict you or raise your rent just because you call the police.

No. Your right to call for police or emergency help is guaranteed by Minnesota law. Your landlord can’t try to make you give up ("waive") your right to call for help.

State law says you can’t be punished for making calls for help – no matter how many you make. You can’t be evicted or fined even if there is a local city law that says a landlord has to evict or fine a tenant after a certain number of 9-1-1 calls. 

If the city and state law do not agree, follow the state law. Tell your landlord to check Minnesota Statute § 504B.205.

If you are facing any punishment based on your calls to 9-1-1, like a lease violation notice, a notice to vacate or a termination of your lease, that is against the law.

Use the form "Letter to landlord about action after emergency phone call" to tell your landlord about your legal right to call for police or emergency help because of domestic abuse, sexual assault or any other conduct. The letter asks the landlord to withdraw the punishment or negative action.

Note: If something you or your guest does violates your lease, your landlord might use that against you, but they can’t use calling the police or emergency services as the reason to evict or penalize you.

You can sue your landlord for any violations of this law. You can ask the court for $250 per violation OR you can ask for the actual losses you suffered (like moving costs), whichever is greater.