Minnesota House Bill HF4443

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Requirements for prorated rent to include an incomplete first month of rent modified.

Summary

HF4443 amends Minnesota’s prorated-rent statute to make clear that prorated rent is required not only when a lease ends before the last day of a month, but also when a lease begins after the first day of a month. In that situation, the tenant’s first month of rent must be calculated at the average daily rate for the month so the tenant pays only for the days they are actually allowed to occupy the unit. The bill applies to all residential leases, including leases that require advance payment of the first or last month’s rent. The bill also strengthens tenant protections by making the prorated-rent requirement nonwaivable. Any lease clause or agreement that attempts to waive the rule is void and unenforceable. In addition, any contract term that limits tenant remedies for violations of the section is also void, including provisions requiring arbitration or barring class actions. The effective date is the day after final enactment, and it applies only to leases entered into on or after that date.

Impact

This bill would amend Minnesota Statutes section 504B.116, expanding the prorated-rent requirement to cover incomplete first months of tenancy as well as incomplete final months. It would affect residential landlords and tenants by requiring rent calculations based on actual calendar days in the relevant month and by prohibiting lease terms that waive the statute or restrict enforcement remedies. The change would likely standardize move-in billing practices and provide clearer statutory protection for tenants who begin occupancy mid-month.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript, vote tally, or recorded opposition, so there is no direct evidence of debate or partisan sentiment. Based on the bill text, the measure appears consumer-protective and tenant-focused, with an emphasis on ensuring tenants are charged only for days they can occupy the unit and preserving access to legal remedies. The absence of recorded votes or discussion prevents a more detailed assessment of support or criticism.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of dispute, based on the text, could include the prohibition on waiver, the voiding of arbitration or class-action limits, and the requirement that landlords prorate first-month rent using actual calendar days. Those provisions would most directly affect landlords and lease-drafting practices, while benefiting tenants by limiting contractual workarounds.