A complete 2026 guide to finding eviction-friendly housing in MN. Covers Minneapolis & St. Paul “Inclusive Screening” laws, the “Beyond Backgrounds” program, and verified second-chance apartment lists.[1]
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The Minnesota Rental Market in 2026
Finding an apartment in Minnesota with an eviction record can feel like navigating a maze, but the landscape in 2026 has shifted in favor of tenants—specifically in the Twin Cities metro area. While standard corporate landlords still use automated screening software (like Yardi or RealPage) to flag civil judgments, new local ordinances and state-level programs have created verified pathways to approval.
The Key Update for 2026:
Legislation passed in previous years regarding Eviction Expungement is currently in a complex legal state. While the legislature attempted to make expungement “mandatory” for dismissed cases, recent 2025 court rulings have challenged whether the legislature can force the courts to seal records. This means you cannot simply rely on the system to “auto-clean” your record; you must take active steps to petition the court.
This guide provides a domain-expert analysis of your rights under the Minneapolis Inclusive Screening Ordinance, identifies specific “second chance” housing providers, and outlines the Beyond Backgrounds financial guarantee that can override a landlord’s denial.
1. The Legal Landscape: Know Your Rights in 2026
Your ability to rent depends heavily on where in Minnesota you are applying.[1] The rules in Hennepin and Ramsey counties are significantly more protective than in Greater Minnesota.[1]
Minneapolis & St. Paul: The 3-Year “Lookback” Rule
If you are applying within the city limits of Minneapolis or St. Paul, landlords are legally restricted in how far back they can look.[1]
- Minneapolis Inclusive Screening Ordinance: Landlords generally cannot deny you for an eviction judgment entered 3 or more years ago.[1][2][3] They are strictly prohibited from considering cases that were dismissed or settled (where no judgment was entered against you) if the settlement is over 1 year old.[1]
- St. Paul S.A.F.E.[1][4][5] Housing: Similar to Minneapolis, this ordinance limits the lookback period to 3 years for evictions. If a landlord uses criteria stricter than this, they must conduct an “individualized assessment” of your application.[6][7]
Statewide: Expungement Reality Check
As of early 2026, do not assume a dismissed eviction is automatically hidden.
- The “Inherent Authority” Motion: Because the “mandatory expungement” law faces constitutional challenges (separation of powers), your safest legal route is to file a motion asking the judge to use their “inherent authority” to expunge the record.
- The Burden of Proof: You must prove that expunging the record is a greater benefit to you (housing stability) than the harm to the public (landlord knowledge).
2. Verified Eviction-Friendly Housing Providers[1]
The following organizations and management companies have demonstrated “Low Barrier” or flexible admission criteria. Note: “Eviction friendly” often implies they accept evictions older than 2–3 years or those that have been paid off (“Satisfied”).
1. Market-Rate “Second Chance” Management
These are private companies that manage multiple buildings and often have manual underwriting for applicants with barriers.[1]
- Halverson and Blaiser Group (HBG):
- Mint Properties:
- KRC Apartments:
2. Non-Profit & Affordable Housing Developers
These organizations have a social mission to house residents.[1][9] They are your highest probability option if your eviction is recent (under 3 years).[1]
- Aeon:
- Alliance Housing:
- RS Eden (Amber Apartments):
- Specialty: Focuses on recovery and re-entry. For certain units, they explicitly state that eviction history is not considered in the screening process.[11]
3. The “Beyond Backgrounds” Strategy
This is the most underutilized tool for Minnesota renters in 2026.[1]
What is it?
Beyond Backgrounds is a risk-mitigation program managed by HousingLink.[1] It effectively acts as “eviction insurance” for a landlord.[1]
- How it works: If a landlord rents to you, the program puts money into a risk pool. If you damage the unit or leave owing rent, the landlord can claim up to $2,000.
- Why it works: It removes the financial fear for the landlord.
- How to get it: You typically need to be working with a case worker or a referring non-profit agency to access the certificate.
- Action Item: When you call a private landlord, say: “I have a Beyond Backgrounds certificate that provides you with $2,000 in guaranteed financial protection if you approve my application.”[1][5]
4. How to Find Private Landlords (The “Shadow Market”)
In 2026, private owners (who own 1–4 units) are less likely to use AI screening tools.
- Target Neighborhoods:
- Keywords to Search:
- Use Craigslist (still active in MN for private rentals) and Facebook Marketplace.[1]
- Search terms: “Private owner,” “Duplex,” “No App Fee,” “Owner Agent.”
- The Pre-Emptive Strike:
- Do not wait for them to find the eviction. Bring a “Mitigation Packet” to the showing.
- Include: A letter of explanation, proof of 3x income, and (most importantly) a ledger showing you have paid your current rent on time for the last 12 months.
5. Local Legal Resources
If you have an eviction on your record that is incorrect or eligible for expungement:
- HOME Line:
- Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN):
- Service: They hold expungement clinics (often at the Hennepin County Government Center) to help you file the paperwork for free.
- HousingLink.org:
- Tool: Use their “Housing Search” tool and select the filter for “Second Chance” or “Criminal/Eviction Friendly” to see currently available units.
FAQ:
“Can a landlord in Minneapolis deny me for an eviction 5 years ago?”
No. Under the Minneapolis Inclusive Screening Ordinance, a landlord cannot use an eviction judgment that is 3 years or older as the basis for denial.[2][7][12] If they do, they are violating city ordinance.[1]
“Does Minnesota have a ‘Clean Slate’ law for evictions?”
Minnesota has a “Clean Slate” act for criminal records that began full automation in 2025.[1][10] However, eviction expungement is not fully automatic in the same way.[13] You should file a motion with the court to ensure your eviction record is sealed.
“How much does it cost to expunge an eviction in Minnesota?”
If you are low-income, you can file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) form to ask the court to waive the filing fees (which can otherwise be around $300).
“What apartments in St. Paul accept evictions?”
Look for properties managed by Aeon, CommonBond, or Alliance Housing. Additionally, private landlords in the Payne-Phalen or Thomas-Dale neighborhoods are often more flexible than large downtown complexes.[1]
Disclaimer: This article provides information based on 2026 rental market data and Minnesota statutes.[1] It is not legal advice. The legal status of expungement statutes can change; always verify with HOME Line or a qualified attorney.
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