Minneapolis council approves 45‑day pre‑eviction notice extension

The Minneapolis City Council on April 23 adopted an ordinance extending the city’s required pre‑eviction notice period from 30 to 45 calendar days, a move proponents said will give tenants extra time to secure rental assistance or arrange alternatives before a landlord files for eviction.

Supporters, led in debate by Council Member A. Chowdhury, said the extra 15 days is a modest, preventive step that can reduce homelessness and allow households to obtain another paycheck or gather mutual aid. "What this ordinance is asking for is a mere additional 15 days," Chowdhury said, arguing that many renters are still recovering from recent displacements and that processing of rental‑assistance applications can take weeks.

The ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote, 8 ayes to 5 nays. The clerk recorded votes in favor from Chowdhury, Stevenson, Chavez, Wonsley, Chughtai, Whiting, Vice President Osman and President Payne; members voting no included Rainville, Vetaw, Palmisano, Warren and Shaffer.

Council members who supported the change emphasized two points: that some rental‑assistance programs require either a pre‑eviction notice or a court filing to qualify for aid, and that local processing and distribution of funds can take time. City staff and the joint powers intake process with Hennepin County briefed the council on the two main funding paths: city funds intended to be available to Minneapolis residents who have a pre‑eviction notice and county funds that typically require a court filing. Eric Hansen, a city staff director, advised tenants to contact community‑based intake organizations as soon as they suspect they may face eviction.

Opponents said the ordinance was a blunt tool that could create unintended effects. Some members worried it would delay landlord remedies or be unnecessary if existing mutual‑aid and county programs already provide assistance. Several council members also called for clearer communication about program eligibility and faster processing of rental‑assistance applications.

The ordinance does not change eligibility criteria for county or state rental assistance programs; council members repeatedly urged staff to clarify outreach materials and intake processes so eligible households can complete applications without being blocked by online forms that request court dates or filings.

The council’s action immediately modifies the city ordinance governing pre‑eviction notice; staff were asked to continue improving public communication about assistance pathways and to report back on implementation. The council did not specify changes to income eligibility or program funding as part of the ordinance itself.

The council will publish updated guidance on the city website and coordinate outreach through partner community organizations; staff said residents should seek help from the intake providers listed on the city’s rental‑assistance pages as soon as they receive a pre‑eviction notice.

Outcome and next steps: The ordinance passed 8–5 and takes effect as city law; city staff will update public guidance and continue coordination with Hennepin County and community partners to expedite access to funds.