National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Minnesota?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Minnesota finish in about 3 to 5 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The Minnesota eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    14 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    14-day written notice for nonpayment

    From our guide: “You may file if the tenant has not paid or vacated within 14 days of the delivery or mailing”

  2. 2Court case

    7 to 14 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    First appearance 7 to 14 days after summons issues

    From our guide: “The summons sets an appearance not less than 7 nor more than 14 days after it issues”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    1 to 8 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ stay up to 7 days; 24-hour move-out demand

    From our guide: “the court must stay the writ for a reasonable period not to exceed seven days” and “The officer demands that the tenant leave with all personal property within 24 hours.”

What can slow it down

  • Minneapolis and St. Paul require a longer local nonpayment notice than the state's 14 days, and the state statute defers to that longer period.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Minnesota eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Minnesota scores 6 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (balanced).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Minnesota attorney before acting.