Renters facing eviction in Minneapolis could soon have twice as much time before a landlord can file an eviction notice, after the City Council approved a temporary ordinance extending the pre‑eviction notice period from 30 to 60 days.
The measure, called the Pause Evictions, Save Lives ordinance, passed on a 7–5 vote on March 5, with Council Member Jamison Whiting abstaining.
Supporters framed the extension as an urgent response to families struggling to pay rent in the wake of Operation Metro Surge, which community groups said caused sudden income loss and widespread fear among immigrant residents.
“This seems to be a reasonable pathway to a massive problem,” said Council Member Robin Wonsley.
Several renters shared their experiences before the vote, speaking through translators as they described the financial strain they’re under.
One woman told council members, “I even used my son’s tuition to pay my rent. We need time. We don’t have the money.” Another said, “We do not know how we’re going to make rent.”
The ordinance would temporarily require landlords to give renters 60 days’ notice before filing an eviction, doubling the city’s current 30‑day requirement.
Opponents argued the extension could worsen financial instability for both renters and affordable housing providers.
“It greatly disrupts the housing ecosystem and ultimately puts more people out on the street,” said Councilmember Linea Palmisano.
“We have seen historically how pauses in eviction moratoriums have put those most vulnerable at risk to continued evictions,” Whiting said.
Project for Pride in Living, a nonprofit affordable housing provider, also raised concerns.
“Adding another 30 days only pushes families deeper into debt,” President and CEO Karla Henderson told council members earlier this week.
Tenant advocates believe the extra time is critical.
“Buying more time for folks to come up with rent will prevent evictions, and that is the entire purpose of this, simply having an eviction filing filed against you on your record immediately is harmful for families,” said Eric Hauge.
Hauge is the executive director for HOME Line, a statewide tenant hotline. He said calls for financial help have surged.
“Since the beginning of December, when the surge began, through I believe yesterday, we’ve seen something like a 75% increase in clients asking about financial aid,” he said.
Community groups, including the New Justice Project, urged the council to act.
“We are in an economic crisis,” said community organizer Fadumo Mohamed. The organization advocates for Black, Brown and Indigenous residents. She said many families are sacrificing long‑term goals just to stay housed.
“I am worried, though, that the mayor is going to veto it. So I don’t want to celebrate quite yet, just because I know we might have to work ahead of us to fully get it to the finish line, but excited,” she said.
A spokesperson for Mayor Jacob Frey said he is still reviewing the ordinance.
“Mayor Frey believes the most effective solution is a targeted one, which is why we’re working to get the $1M we recently approved out quickly to help our neighbors. Eviction moratoriums or notice extensions are a blunt measure — and the mayor will be weighing information from experts over the next several days to decide whether it actually helps or hinders our city,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
The Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MMHA), which represents housing providers across the city, urged Frey to reject the measure.
“The housing providers in Minneapolis, represented by the Minnesota Multi Housing Association, are disappointed that the majority of the Council did not listen to the concerns of the nonprofit affordable housing sector. We hope that the Mayor will veto this ordinance and that the focus can shift to solutions that meet the needs of Minneapolis renters,” said MMHA in a statement.
The ordinance will take effect only if Mayor Frey signs it. If he vetoes the measure, the City Council could vote to override the veto.
Across the river, St. Paul is considering a similar proposal during its March 18 meeting.
The extension runs through August 31, 2026. After that, the notice period goes back to 30 days.
