ExamsPracticeResourcesBlogGlossaryUpdates

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota Human Rights Act provides broader protections than federal fair housing
  • Minnesota protects additional classes including sexual orientation, marital status, and public assistance status
  • The Minnesota Department of Human Rights enforces fair housing laws
  • Complaints must be filed within 1 year with MDHR
  • Licensees can never discriminate even if the property owner is exempt
Last updated: January 2026

Minnesota Fair Housing

The Minnesota Human Rights Act provides fair housing protections beyond federal law.

Federal vs. Minnesota Protected Classes

Federal Fair Housing Act (7 Classes)

Protected ClassDescription
RaceAll races
ColorSkin color
National OriginCountry of origin
ReligionAll faiths
SexIncluding gender identity
Familial StatusFamilies with children
DisabilityPhysical and mental

Minnesota Human Rights Act (Additional)

MN Protected ClassDescription
Marital StatusSingle, married, divorced
Sexual OrientationLGBTQ+
Public AssistanceHousing vouchers, welfare
CreedPersonal beliefs
AgeAll ages
Gender IdentityTransgender

Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR)

FunctionDescription
ComplaintsReceive and investigate
EnforcementEnforce Human Rights Act
EducationOutreach and training
PenaltiesRecommend remedies

Filing Complaints

With MDHR

RequirementDetails
Deadline1 year from violation
ProcessWritten complaint
InvestigationMDHR investigates
HearingIf substantial evidence

Remedies Available

RemedyDescription
Compensatory damagesActual losses
Emotional distressMental anguish
Civil penaltiesFines
Injunctive reliefStop discrimination
Attorney feesLegal costs

Public Assistance Status

Unique Minnesota protection:

ProtectionDetails
Housing vouchersCannot discriminate
Section 8Must accept
Welfare benefitsCannot discriminate
Source of incomeProtected

Important: Minnesota landlords cannot refuse tenants solely based on their use of housing vouchers or public assistance.

Prohibited Practices

PracticeDescription
SteeringDirecting to/from areas
BlockbustingPanic peddling
RedliningDenying services by area
Discriminatory advertisingPreference statements
Refusal to rent/sellBased on protected class
Different termsBased on protected class

Exemptions

ExemptConditions
Owner-occupied 2 unitsOwner lives there
Religious organizationsNon-commercial housing
Private clubsFor members only
Senior housing55+ or 62+

Note: Real estate licensees can NEVER discriminate even if owner is exempt.

Loading diagram...
Minnesota Fair Housing Protections
Test Your Knowledge

Which protected class is covered by Minnesota law but NOT federal fair housing law?

A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge

How long does a person have to file a fair housing complaint with MDHR?

A
B
C
D
Up Next

4.3 Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Law

Continue learning