Walz To Allow Some Evictions To Go Through

SAINT PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Tuesday signed an executive order that will give landlords some power to evict tenants during the coronavirus pandemic. As COVID-19 continues to impact tenants’ ability to pay their rent, the governor's office says Executive Order 20-79 strikes a balance between protecting housing stability and public health and acknowledging the reality that some evictions are necessary.

While the eviction moratorium continues, housing providers can now evict a tenant when the tenant violates a lease by endangering the safety of others, engaging in certain illegal activities, or significantly damaging property, according to a news release.

Evictions can also proceed if the homeowner or their family member needs to move into the premises or if a writ of recovery was issued prior to March 24 at 5 p.m.

The order requires landlords to give residential tenants a seven-day notice of intent to file an eviction to help mitigate the impact upon residential tenants and encourage resolutions without court involvement.

This new executive order was unanimously approved by the Minnesota Executive Council, which is made up of Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, Attorney General Ellison, Secretary of State Simon, and State Auditor Julie Blaha.

It will take effect on Aug. 4 at noon and remain in effect for the duration of the peacetime emergency or until rescinded.