An eviction can follow you for years, affecting your ability to rent a home, secure certain jobs or qualify for loans. In Minnesota, landlords can see your eviction record even if the case was dismissed or settled. But the good news is that state law provides a way for many renters to move forward through a process known as eviction expungement.

If you’ve struggled to find housing due to a past eviction case, you’re not alone, and you may have options.

What Is Eviction Expungement?

Eviction expungement is a legal process that seals an eviction case from public view, meaning it won’t show up on background checks conducted by landlords or credit agencies. In Minnesota, eviction cases are part of the public record unless expunged, so even dismissed cases can hurt your chances of renting again.

Expungement doesn't remove the record completely, but it restricts access so that only law enforcement and certain government agencies can see it. For most renters, this makes it much easier to pass rental screenings and rebuild housing stability.

When Can an Eviction Be Expunged in Minnesota?

Minnesota has recently expanded the circumstances under which courts can grant eviction expungement. A judge may grant eviction expungement if:

• The eviction case was dismissed or ruled in your favor.
  
  
• You vacated the property after reaching a settlement with the landlord and followed the terms of that agreement.
  
  
• Enough time has passed (typically at least one year), and you can show that sealing the record would serve the interests of justice.
  
  
• The case involved extenuating circumstances, like loss of income due to medical issues, domestic violence, or a pandemic-related hardship.

Judges now have more discretion to approve expungement when a tenant has shown a good-faith effort to maintain stable housing, even if the eviction technically went on record.

However, a 2023 rule that would have made expungement mandatory after a settlement was recently struck down by the Court of Appeals, so decisions remain in the court’s hands.

How the Expungement Process Works

If you believe you qualify for eviction expungement, the process typically involves the following steps:

1. Gather Documents: Collect all paperwork related to your eviction case, including the court case number, judgment, and any agreements made with your landlord.
   
   
2. File a Petition for Expungement: You’ll need to file a formal request in the same district court where the eviction case was heard. The court will provide the appropriate forms, which require a brief explanation of why you’re seeking expungement.
   
   
3. Pay a Filing Fee: As of 2025, the filing fee is around $300, though it may vary by county. If you can’t afford the fee, you may request a fee waiver based on income.
   
   
4. Attend a Court Hearing: The court will schedule a hearing where both you and your former landlord (if they choose to appear) can present your sides. The judge will consider whether granting the expungement serves the interests of justice.
   
   
5. Wait for the Decision: If approved, the eviction case will be sealed from public view. If denied, you may be able to reapply in the future, particularly if your housing situation has stabilized since the eviction.

What Judges Look For

When deciding whether to grant an expungement, Minnesota judges consider:

• Whether the eviction judgment was valid or based on misleading evidence
• The length of time since the eviction occurred
• Your efforts to maintain stable housing since the eviction
• Whether the case involved hardship or extenuating life circumstances
• Whether keeping the record public serves a legitimate purpose

The more documentation and context you can provide, the better your chances of success. Letters from employers, proof of rent payments since the eviction or character references can all help.

Why Expungement Matters

Landlords in Minnesota often use tenant screening services that pull eviction records from public court databases. Even if your case was dismissed or resolved amicably, it can still show up and lead to automatic denials.

Expungement gives renters a clean slate, especially those who have turned their lives around, stabilized their income, or were unfairly evicted in the first place. It’s not just about sealing a legal record; it’s about restoring access to safe, stable housing.

Tips for a Smooth Expungement Process

• Act quickly after the dismissal or judgment. The sooner you petition, the fresher the details will be in court records.
  
  
• Be honest and thorough in your petition. A judge is more likely to approve if you show accountability and growth.
  
  
• Prepare for the hearing with documentation, witness statements, or evidence of hardship.
  
  
• Consult with a lawyer if you’re unsure how to proceed or if your case involves more complex legal issues.

Need Help With Your Eviction Expungement?

The legal process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Speaking with an experienced landlord-tenant attorney can improve your odds of success and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Looking to Seal a Past Eviction and Start Fresh in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Lawyer Referral and Information Service (MNLRIS) can help connect you with a trusted local attorney who knows eviction law and can guide you through the expungement process.

Call (612) 752-6699 or request a consultation today. A better housing future may be just one legal step away.