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Dakota County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Minnesota landlords need to file a Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) in Dakota County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$310
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
4–6 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Dakota County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Dakota County — What Landlords Should Know

Dakota County follows standard Minnesota eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Dakota County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Dakota County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Dakota County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 14-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 14-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Minnesota law.

2

File Your Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) at Dakota County Judicial Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Dakota County Judicial Center (1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033). The filing fee is $310. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Dakota County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $35. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Dakota County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Minnesota Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Minnesota.

Dakota County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $310 Paid to Dakota County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $35 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$30–$35 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $750–$3000 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Dakota County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Dakota County?

The typical Dakota County eviction takes 4–6 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Dakota County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Dakota County?

The court filing fee in Dakota County is $310. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($35), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$30–$35), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $375–$380.

What court handles evictions in Dakota County?

Evictions in Dakota County are filed at the Dakota County Judicial Center, located at 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033. The case type is filed as a Eviction (Unlawful Detainer).

Can I file an eviction online in Dakota County?

Yes, Dakota County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Dakota County?

Minnesota law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Dakota County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Dakota County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Minnesota.

See full Minnesota eviction laws and notice requirements.

Minnesota Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Minnesota.

Minnesota Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Dakota County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Dakota County →

Relevant Minnesota Statutes