Policy
Under Minnesota State Statue 609.606, a landlord, agent of the landlord, or person acting under the landlord's direction or control cannot intentionally remove or exclude a tenant from lands or tenements or intentionally interrupt or cause the interruption of electrical, heat, gas, or water services to the tenant with intent to unlawfully remove or exclude the tenant from lands or tenements. Such unlawful exclusion is a misdemeanor under this statute. (03/19/93)
Officers called to a situation where the tenant alleges a lockout or unlawful exclusion may not make a forced entry into the building. If the landlord is present and refuses to allow the tenant entry, the tenant may make a citizen's arrest. The landlord may be booked or issued a citation. (03/19/93)
If the landlord is issued a citation for unlawful exclusion, officers shall complete an Offense/Incident report (MP 6833) using the offense code "UNEXCL." If the landlord is not present, officers may make an Offense/Incident report using the offense code "UNEXCL." Officers completing on Offense/Incident report shall list the landlord or agent of the landlord as the suspect and the tenant as the victim. (03/19/93)
A landlord also has no authority to take possession of a tenant's personal property. A court order is required even when a tenant has failed to pay rent or overstayed a lease.
A landlord has no right of entry into a tenant's dwelling unless the tenant grants permission or emergency repairs are needed.