How to Look Up Eviction Records in Minnesota 2026

Where to Search Minnesota Eviction Records

Minnesota Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) cases are filed in District Court. The Minnesota Courts Public Access system (publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us) allows searching eviction cases by party name, county, and date. Important: Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 504B.421) restricts adverse screening actions based on expunged eviction records and also limits the use of eviction records where the tenant prevailed. Some Hennepin County (Minneapolis) cases have additional sealing protections. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.001 et seq.

Step-by-Step: How to Search Minnesota Eviction Records

1. Go to Minnesota Courts Public Access (MNCIS). Open https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us in your browser.
2. Search by party name. Enter the prospective tenant's full legal name (last name, first name) as a defendant/respondent. Try name variations including maiden names.
3. Filter by case type. Select eviction, forcible detainer, unlawful detainer, or summary possession as the case type depending on the court's terminology.
4. Review the disposition. Identify whether the case resulted in a judgment for the landlord (eviction), dismissal (tenant won or case settled), or is still pending. A filing alone does not mean the tenant was evicted.
5. Check the filing date. Important: Minnesota has eviction record protections — Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.345 Subd. 1a, 504B.421. Do not make adverse screening decisions on sealed, expunged, or protected records.
6. Request certified copies if needed. For a certified copy of the court record, contact the District Court clerk's office directly. Fees are typically $0.50/page.

Eviction Record Expungement in Minnesota

Landlords and screening companies may not use sealed or expunged eviction records as a basis for adverse tenant-screening decisions in Minnesota. Tenants who believe their records have been improperly used may have a civil claim under the applicable statute. If a tenant discloses an expunged eviction, you may ask for context but cannot deny housing based solely on the expunged record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up eviction records in Minnesota?

Minnesota Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) cases are filed in District Court. The Minnesota Courts Public Access system (publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us) allows searching eviction cases by party name, county, and date. Important: Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 504B.421) restricts adverse screening actions based on expunged eviction records and also limits the use of eviction records where the tenant prevailed. Some Hennepin County (Minneapolis) cases have additional sealing protections. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.001 et seq.

Are eviction court records public in Minnesota?

Yes — eviction court records in Minnesota are presumptively public under Minnesota's public records law. Eviction actions are civil court filings and are part of the court's public record, accessible by any member of the public, except for sealed or expunged records (Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.345 Subd. 1a, 504B.421).

Can a tenant get an eviction record removed or expunged in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota has enacted eviction record expungement or sealing protections: Minn. Stat. § 504B.345 Subd. 1a — Eviction court records may be expunged by order; landlord screening of expunged eviction records is restricted by Minn. Stat. § 504B.421. (Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.345 Subd. 1a, 504B.421). Tenants who qualify may petition the court to seal or vacate the eviction record.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy of an eviction court record in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, certified copy fees for court records are typically $0.50/page. Fees are set by the District Court and may vary by county or court location. Many courts also charge a flat certification fee on top of the per-page copy fee. Online access to basic case information (party names, filing date, disposition) is typically free through the court's public portal where available.

Related Minnesota Landlord Guides

Court portal information sourced from the Minnesota court administrative office official website. Expungement laws from published Minnesota statutes (see citations above). Last updated April 30, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.