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Hennepin County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Minnesota landlords need to file a Eviction (Unlawful Detainer) in Hennepin 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

🏛️ Hennepin County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Hennepin County — What Landlords Should Know

Hennepin County (Minneapolis) uses Housing Court. Minneapolis has Just Cause eviction protections.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Hennepin County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Hennepin 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 Hennepin County Government Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Hennepin County Government Center (300 S. 6th St., Minneapolis, MN 55487). 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 Hennepin 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 Hennepin 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.

Hennepin County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $310 Paid to Hennepin 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 — Hennepin County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Hennepin County?

The typical Hennepin 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. Hennepin County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

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

The court filing fee in Hennepin 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 Hennepin County?

Evictions in Hennepin County are filed at the Hennepin County Government Center, located at 300 S. 6th St., Minneapolis, MN 55487. The case type is filed as a Eviction (Unlawful Detainer).

Can I file an eviction online in Hennepin County?

Yes, Hennepin 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 Hennepin 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 Hennepin County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Hennepin 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 Hennepin County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Hennepin County →

Relevant Minnesota Statutes